PIERRE, S.D. – On May 3rd, Governor Noem recognizes May 5^th as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day in South Dakota. This is a day to remember those who have lost their lives and strive for more awareness of this issue.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of missing and murdered indigenous persons,” said Governor Noem. “We have taken a lot of steps in recent years to combat this crisis, but there is always more to be done. We can all make a difference if we continue to work together.”

Governor Noem has advocated for this issue for years. While in Congress, Governor Noem co-sponsored the “Protect Our Native Women Act” and anti-human trafficking legislation. She also sponsored the “AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act” to make tribes eligible for AMBER Alert grants. As Governor, Governor Noem worked with the legislature to pass major anti-human trafficking legislation. And she created and fully funded the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

The State of South Dakota has taken preventative measures to combat this issue, including hiring a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Coordinator in the Attorney General’s Office. You can reach Allison Morrisette, South Dakota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator, at (605) 295-0003 or [email protected].

Law Enforcement Agreements are necessary to best combat human trafficking in full force. Governor Noem stands ready to work with tribal leaders to develop mutually beneficial agreements, create safer communities, and protect people by preventing the spread of drugs and violent crime.

For more information about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons in South Dakota, please visit the Department of Tribal Relations.