A PROCLAMATION OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, AS
MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AWARENESS MONTH
IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide was a leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native people, and Native women experience disproportionately high rates of violence, including domestic violence and intimate partner homicide; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported over 10,000 incidents of missing American Indian and Alaska Native persons in 2024, with a significant number involving women and juveniles, while available data remains incomplete and underreported; and
WHEREAS, studies, including those by the Urban Indian Health Institute, show that many cases occur in urban areas, with young people disproportionately affected, and California ranking among the states with the highest rates; and
WHEREAS, California is home to the largest population of American Indians in the nation, making awareness, prevention, and action on this crisis especially critical; and
WHEREAS, since 2018, California’s first and only Native American legislator, a lifetime San Bernardino resident, has made significant strides in addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis locally and statewide by bringing together partners to advance awareness, education, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has established a youth-led Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Advocacy Group, dedicated to standing for justice and supporting families impacted by this crisis; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has taken steps to address this issue through initiatives such as the Feather Alert system and expanded partnerships with tribal law enforcement to improve response, coordination, and support for affected families;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and the City Council of San Bernardino do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month in the City of San Bernardino, and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness, supporting Indigenous communities, and advancing efforts to prevent violence and bring justice to victims and their families.
We encourage all residents to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, honor the lives of those lost, and support continued advocacy, education, and action.
Presented on the 6th day of May 2026