05/09/2026
This MMIP Week was a reminder that it takes all of us, Tribal leaders, law enforcement, advocates, legislators, families, and communities to come together and push for something better.
We started the week by co-hosting an MMIP Investigations Training with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, bringing together more than 100 registrants from over 17 counties to strengthen collaboration and improve responses to MMIP cases.
From there, we joined Tribal leaders and legislators from across California for important conversations about partnership, sovereignty, and public safety at the Tribal Leaders Reception. On Wednesday morning, Vice Chair Williams also delivered opening remarks at the MMIP press conference at the State Capitol.
Later that day, Spokesperson Singh and Councilmembers Annette Williams and Antonio Ruiz, joined Chairman Tarango at the California Native American Monument in Capitol Park to expand our first-of-its-kind Regional MMIP Task Force, adding new federal, Tribal, and local partners committed to this work.
That evening, we gathered at the Candlelight Vigil on the West Steps of the Capitol to honor those still missing, those taken too soon, and the families still waiting to bring their loved ones home. Vice Chair Williams emceed the night alongside Chairwoman Dutschke and Chairwoman Pinto & our ICWA team was there to provide resources and support for hundreds of attendees.
We closed the week at the State Capitol, where Chairman Tarango and Vice Chair Williams joined Tribal leaders on the Assembly Floor during the presentation of the resolution proclaiming May as MMIP Awareness Month.
