SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) is hosting its second annual summit this week at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino. The summit aims to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and provide support to their families and survivors.

The two-day event features government speakers, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and a family healing circle. On the first day of the summit, counselors and support services will also be available in the River Tower. Tribal members from the Kalispel, Colville, Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene Tribes are co-hosting the event alongside the task force.

The summit will include a video message from Governor Jay Inslee on the final day of the event. The goal of the summit is to raise awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women and to develop strategies to address and prevent these incidents.

For more information on the summit or to watch the event, visit the website provided. The Washington State MMIWP summit is an important platform for Indigenous communities and advocates to come together, share their experiences, and work towards justice and healing for missing and murdered Indigenous women and people.