Last week, Alice’s Place set a significant milestone in its advocacy work, hosting its first-ever Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) March. This poignant event, led by three passionate indigenous leaders in the community who spoke to attendees, highlighted the urgent crisis facing indigenous women today.
Louanna Benslow, one of the event’s speakers, informed the crowd about some deeply troubling statistics from the National Institute of Justice. According to these reports, more than half of all indigenous women will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. These alarming figures have spurred a rising tide of similar marches nationwide, with communities rallying together to address this critical issue. The event in Winslow echoed a similar march in Flagstaff the previous week, which many of the attendees in Winslow spoke about having attended both events.
The MMIW March in Winslow was held on Thursday, with supporters gathered at Standin on the Corner, in the late afternoon. From there, they moved as a unified group to the gazebo in downtown Winslow, where guest speakers took the stage to voice their concern and commitment to the cause.
Kim Curley, a fervent advocate for MMIW, addressed the crowd with powerful words of action and hope, stating, “Today is the day we stand up for these women. Today is the day we want these women back home.” Similarly, Todd Wilcox emphasized the widespread impact of the MMIW crisis, saying, “We are all affected by it, directly or you know a loved one who has experienced it.” Their speeches brought home the urgency of the issue, encouraging collective action among attendees.
Following the speeches, the march continued to the Route 66 Eagle Pavilion. There, the Hopi Traditional Dancers, led by Edourd Masawytewa, put on a stirring performance. The event concluded with light refreshments, giving attendees a chance to reflect on the march and discuss the messages shared by the speakers.
The event in Winslow echoed a similar march in Flagstaff the previous week, which many of the attendees in Winslow having attended both events. These back-to-back events highlight the growing momentum behind the MMIW cause.
Earlier in May, the Winslow City Council had declared May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Awareness Day. This proclamation acknowledged the year-round epidemic affecting the United States and Canada, bringing attention to a crucial issue that often goes unnoticed.
Alice’s Place, dedicated to providing a wide array of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the community, stands firmly in its resolve, advocating for the “stolen sisters,” indigenous LGBTQ+ members, and elders who are so often overlooked. They promote individual empowerment by offering safe, confidential choices and culturally sensitive support through advocacy, shelter, education, and resources.
Alice’s Place offers confidential refuge for victims of domestic/sexual violence and their children, providing stability, respite, and support as they rebuild their lives. Their services include safety planning, a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis intervention and emotional support, emergency shelter for 90 days, mobile advocacy, transportation, case management, lay legal advocacy, education and life skills programs, resource information and referral, prevention and awareness initiatives and teen dating abuse awareness.
Alice’s Place victim Advocates are available 24/7 via the Crisis Hotline at 928-289-3003 for anyone needing domestic/sexual violence support services. The organization’s dedicated team is ready to provide immediate assistance, crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance to individuals in need. Additionally, Alice’s Place actively connects victims and survivors with relevant resources and referrals, fostering a comprehensive support network.
The organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing domestic and sexual violence extends to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting those who may face additional barriers due to disabilities or language barriers.
