Bill 117 S.Res.196, also known as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls" resolution, was introduced in the United States Senate to designate May 5, 2021, as a day to bring attention to the issue of missing and murdered Native American women and girls. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence and disappearance among Indigenous women and girls in the United States.
The resolution acknowledges the alarming statistics that show Native American women and girls are more likely to experience violence, including murder and disappearance, compared to other populations in the country. It also recognizes the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities, including the lack of resources and attention given to cases of missing and murdered Native women and girls.
By designating May 5th as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls," the resolution seeks to honor the lives of those who have been lost, support the families and communities affected by these tragedies, and call for action to address the systemic issues that contribute to the high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Overall, Bill 117 S.Res.196 is a non-partisan effort to bring attention to a critical issue affecting Native American communities and to advocate for justice and support for those who have been impacted by violence and disappearance.