The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is called to action in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a crisis affecting Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond. As faithful women of prayer, compassion, and advocacy, the ECW recognizes the urgency of raising awareness, supporting healing, and partnering with Indigenous leaders to bring justice and protection to Native sisters and their families.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Indigenous women face murder rates more than ten times the national average in some areas, and thousands of Native women and girls have gone missing or been murdered with little attention or resolution. The crisis is a complex and ongoing issue rooted in historical injustices, systemic violence, and jurisdictional challenges.
How ECW Can Make a Difference
- Amplify Indigenous Voices
ECW groups across provinces, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to learn from and partner with Native leaders and organizations already working tirelessly on the front lines. Listening to Native voices, inviting Indigenous speakers to ECW events, and sharing their stories can help center those most impacted. - Host Awareness Events
Local ECWs can organize prayer vigils, red dress installations, or film screenings to shed light on MMIW. The red dress has become a national symbol of remembrance and visibility. Hosting an event during Indigenous Peoples’ Month in November can bring communities together in sacred remembrance and advocacy. - Support Indigenous Ministries
Many Episcopal dioceses—including the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland and the Diocese of Alaska—have ministries deeply connected to Native communities. ECW can support these ministries with prayer, presence, financial resources, and grant applications dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and children. - Pray
The power of prayer remains at the heart of ECW’s mission. It is important that we include MMIW victims and their families in our prayers. Creating liturgies or including petitions for MMIW in Sunday services remind congregations of their shared responsibility.
The National ECW is committed to walking alongside our Indigenous sisters, holding space for grief, and lifting up the light of hope. Our baptismal covenant calls us to seek and serve Christ in all persons and strive for justice and peace among all people.