NIWRC Calls for Support for Ashlynne Mike’s Family and a National Response to Missing and Murdered Native Women
Please use #ForAshlynne #JusticeforAshlynne #iwillRUNforher to bring awareness to violence against Native women and children.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
NIWRC Calls for Support for Ashlynne Mike’s Family and a National Response to Missing and Murdered Native Women
Lame Deer, Montana — The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) releases this statement to offer prayers and support to the family of Ashlynne Mike. “The difficulty of this heartbreaking situation has required us to pause for prayer as parents, aunties, and grandmas,” said Lucy Simpson, Executive Director of NIWRC. “The abrupt and violent taking of the innocent life of this Native Diné child is deeply felt by all of the NIWRC family.”
Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old girl on the Navajo Nation, was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and found dead this week. The suspect has been apprehended and federal authorities are conducting the criminal investigation.
“We are currently working to raise awareness and build momentum to address the pattern of missing and murdered Native women and girls in the United States such as the tragic kidnapping and murder of Ashlynne Mike,” stated Cherrah Giles, NIWRC Board President. “NIWRC encourages tribal communities to come together as relatives and offer prayers for Ashlynne Mike’s family and community.”
NIWRC would like to show support for the Mike family and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women’s (CSVANW) efforts in New Mexico. The Coalition will hold a community gathering the evening of Thursday, May 5th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The CSVANW is accepting monetary donations (online via their website, by phone, and/or in person) and donated goods (such as non-perishable food, fabric, blankets, yarn, and items that are traditionally used in ceremonies and as give-away items that the family can use). These items will be delivered to the family on Friday May 6th.
This Saturday, May 7th, 2016, at the Shiprock Marathon, CSVANW and NIWRC staff will wear yellow (Ashlynne’s favorite color) and dedicate their run to Ashlynne Mike. “Our traditions teach us running in prayer brings strength to others. Three generations of my family will run in prayer for healing and comfort in Shiprock, NM, on Saturday. My life’s work is directly impacted by this tragedy and all intentional harms to children, women, and families. May the Creator receive beautiful Ashlynne,” said Dorma Sahneyah, NIWRC Director of Training and Technical Assistance.
Please use #ForAshlynne #JusticeforAshlynne #iwillRUNforher to bring awareness to violence against Native women and children.
“Our deepest condolences from the NIWRC to the family of Ashlynne Mike, our tribal communities, and our relatives,” said Lucy Simpson.
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