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WHEN A RELATIVE IS missinG

The following are steps recommended for the friends and family members of a missing Indigenous person:*

One: Consider the Circumstances

Might the disappearance be voluntary? Did the missing person intentionally cut ties from family and friends? Or are they missing because of force and violence? Many Native individuals who are victimized by domestic violence disappear, are abducted, or are murdered by their abusers. In light of this, and the lack of law enforcement in Tribal communities, there is an increased need to be informed and immediately respond.

Two: Look to Established Protocol

The hours and minutes following a disappearance are important, so it is recommended that organizations develop a protocol ahead of time, which will allow people to respond in a timely manner to disappearances.​

Three: Consider Contacting Law Enforcement

Consider whether law enforcement should be contacted. If so, contact them as soon as possible. In some cases, multiple agencies will need to be contacted, including tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, county police, and in Alaska the village public safety officer and state trooper. In some circumstances it might also be helpful to notify Tribal law enforcement in the home community of the missing person.

Four: Keep Track of Details

When speaking to these agencies, provide as much detail as possible and record the names of the people you speak to and request copies of any documents completed. Keep a journal, writing down the dates and times, names and telephone numbers of everyone you speak to. It is also helpful to track the progression of events on a calendar.

Five: Issue Alerts

Issue an alert to your community. Circulate an alert, bulletin or flier that provides basic information about the person and how to report any information to the law enforcement agency or community member serving as a contact person. Use social media to keep the community informed if applicable.

Six: Organize Community Actions

Organize community actions like a vigil, search, justice walk, or march to support the family and those left behind. These actions can also hold law enforcement accountable for their response to the situation.

Seven: Take Care

Take care of yourself and loved ones through this difficult time. Stay connected to friends and family. Rely on your tribal beliefs and practices for support as a foundation for these efforts.


​*Adapted from NIWRC’s “Tribal Community Response When a Woman is Missing: A Toolkit for Action.”

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Please note our mailing address change:
Association on American Indian Affairs
6030 Daybreak Circle
Suite A150-217
Clarksville, MD 21029

General Information


​The Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
publicly supported organization.
​We do not take federal grants.

The Association is governed by an all-Native
Board of Directors and leadership team. 

The Association is an accredited charity and meets all 20 standards of the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. 
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The Association has achieved the highest rating - PLATINUM - from GuideStar, now known as Candid​

100 Years of Advocacy


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The Association is celebrating its 100th year of service in Indian Country. We have changed the course of federal Indian law and policy away from termination and genocide towards sovereignty, self-determination and healing. Help us move forward even stronger into our next 100 years!

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