A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 22, 2026, AS "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women JUSTICE and AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST, THOSE WHO ARE STILL MISSING, AND THE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WHO CONTINUE TO SEEK JUSTICE.

 

Whereas, the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S) remains a national emergency that profoundly impacts Native American communities throughout the United States, including here in the State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of violence, abduction, and homicide, with many cases going unsolved or under-investigated due to systemic barriers, gaps in jurisdiction, and a historical lack of awareness; and

 

Whereas, the observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Justice and Awareness Day serves as a platform to honor the lives of those taken by violence, to acknowledge those who remain missing, and to support the families and tribal nations who continue to seek truth, justice, and healing; and

 

Whereas, the red dress has become a powerful national symbol representing the thousands of indigenous women and girls who are missing or murdered, serving as a visible reminder that this crisis demands urgent action from communities, governments, and institutions; and

 

Whereas, citizens across South Carolina, indigenous and non-indigenous alike, are encouraged to stand in solidarity on February 22, 2026, by displaying red, wearing red dresses, and participating in awareness events to elevate understanding of the crisis and to support affected families and tribal nations; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives stands united with all federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, tribal citizens, and people residing in the State of South Carolina in the shared commitment to bring visibility to the MMIW crisis, to combat human trafficking, and to advance indigenous justice, safety, and healing; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House affirms its dedication to working collaboratively with tribal nations, advocates, state agencies, the Office of the Attorney General, federal partners, and local solicitors' offices, as well as human trafficking task forces and community organizations, to support initiatives addressing MMIW, human trafficking, and systemic inequities impacting indigenous women and girls. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare February 22, 2026, as "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Justice and Awareness Day" in South Carolina to honor those who have been lost, those still missing, and the families and communities who continue to seek justice.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each of South Carolina's federally recognized tribes, state-recognized tribes, tribal entities, the office of Governor Henry McMaster, and the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement.

----XX----