The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations held an oversight hearing on November 21, 2024, to investigate the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The meeting highlighted the deep-rooted stereotypes and societal issues that contribute to this crisis, as well as the urgent need for systemic change.

A key speaker addressed the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by popular culture, citing examples from Disney films like "Peter Pan" and "Pocahontas." These portrayals, which depict Indigenous women as exotic or problematic, contribute to a broader societal indifference towards the real experiences of Indigenous women. The speaker emphasized that such representations minimize the humanity of Indigenous people and create a dangerous narrative that affects how missing persons cases are treated.

The discussion revealed three primary reasons for the lack of attention given to cases of missing Indigenous women: societal indifference, jurisdictional and coordination issues, and insufficient resources for tribal law enforcement. The speaker pointed out that when Indigenous women go missing, they often face victim-blaming attitudes that further diminish the urgency of their cases. This is compounded by historical traumas, including colonization, land theft, and the legacy of residential schools, which have lasting impacts on Indigenous communities.

The hearing underscored the need for increased awareness and action to address these issues, calling for better resources and support for tribal law enforcement agencies. The committee's discussions aim to bring attention to the disparities in how missing persons cases are handled based on race and to advocate for the rights and recognition of Indigenous women in society.