Northern Arapaho Tribe launches initiatives to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

The Wyoming Legislature's Select Committee on Tribal Relations convened on May 23, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP). The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of tribal liaisons and state officials to enhance community safety and improve response protocols for missing persons cases.

Anita Roman, tribal liaison for the Northern Arapaho Tribe, introduced Christy Wildcat, another liaison, emphasizing their commitment to the MMIP task force. Both liaisons shared personal connections to the issue, with Roman noting the profound impact of losing seven individuals to violence. This personal stake drives their initiatives to foster trust and cooperation between tribal communities and law enforcement.

The meeting underscored the importance of training programs aimed at improving response times for Amber Alerts and other missing persons notifications. Roman detailed the implementation of child abduction tabletop exercises, which have involved various law enforcement agencies, including the Wyoming Highway Patrol. These exercises aim to bridge jurisdictional gaps that often complicate the response to abductions in Indian Country.

James Charles, tribal liaison to the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, echoed the need for continued training and collaboration among law enforcement agencies. He noted the challenges faced in previous training sessions, where participation varied among agencies. The goal is to ensure a unified approach to handling cases of missing persons, which often cross multiple jurisdictions.

Christy Wildcat, representing the Northern Arapaho Tribe, spoke passionately about her role and the importance of advocating for those who have been lost. She emphasized the need for community involvement and support in addressing the crisis of MMIP.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the urgency surrounding MMIP issues in Wyoming. The collaborative efforts between tribal liaisons and state officials aim to create a more effective response system, ultimately striving to protect vulnerable community members and honor those who have been lost. As these initiatives move forward, the focus remains on building trust and ensuring that no one is forgotten.