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National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls Honors Victims and Calls for Action National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls acknowledges and raises awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Native American and Alaska Native women and girls. Activists, families, and community leaders come together to remember the victims and advocate for systemic changes to address this ongoing crisis. It originates from the tragedy of Hanna Harris (May 5, 1992 - July 4, 2013). Her case brought attention to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and sparked national advocacy efforts. In response to widespread calls for justice, the US Congress officially designated May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls in 2017. STATISTICS ILLUSTRATE A GRIM REALITY Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average, and they are significantly more likely to experience violence in their lifetimes. Statistics on crimes against Native American women reveal deeply troubling issues, including high rates of rape, murder, assault, harassment, racism, and domestic violence. Here is the most recent data (as of April 2024) publicly available: Violence Rates: According to the National Institute of Justice, more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (over 84%) have experienced violence in their lifetimes. These statistics include 56% who have experienced sexual violence and 55% who have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. Sexual Violence: Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average in some counties, primarily those that are rural and on reservations. Sexual assault rates among Native American women are also exceptionally high, with studies suggesting that one in three Native American women report rape during their lifetime. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW): The issue of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) is a critical concern. Data collection is inconsistent and often underreported, but it's clear that indigenous women are murdered at a rate much higher than national averages. For instance, in some regions, the rate of fatal assault against Native American women is more than double that of the US average. Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a significant issue, with more than half of Native American women experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This rate is significantly higher than that for white, black, or Hispanic women. Racism and Harassment: Racism and systemic discrimination exacerbate the risks faced by Native American women. Racially motivated harassment and violence are prevalent concerns, often complicating the legal and social services landscape that victims must navigate. Challenges in the Legal System: The legal framework presents unique challenges for prosecuting crimes on tribal lands due to jurisdictional complexities between federal, state, and tribal authorities, often leading to lower prosecution rates of violent crimes against Native American women. Data and Reporting Issues: There is a significant issue with the underreporting and misclassification of violent crimes against Native American women. Many cases go unreported, and data collection methods are inconsistent, which hampers accurate statistical analysis and the effective targeting of resources and support. Efforts are ongoing to improve data collection, legal jurisdictional clarity, and resource allocation to address these severe issues effectively. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization and other legislative measures are steps toward addressing the systemic nature of these crimes. National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls coincides with broader efforts, such as the movement for a national inquiry into these issues and implementing more robust databases to track such crimes. Advocates continue to push for the passage of more comprehensive legislation like Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act, which aim to address jurisdictional challenges and improve coordination among federal agencies. CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND WHAT IS AN INDIGENOUS PERSON? The definition of an "indigenous person" involves several key characteristics distinguishing them from other population segments within a country or region. The term is broadly used to describe the original inhabitants of a territory who have maintained a cultural identity distinct from the dominant society now governing that territory. Defining characteristics include: HISTORICAL CONTINUITY Indigenous peoples are descendants of the original inhabitants of a region or country who lived there before colonizing or settling populations arrived. Thus, they have historical continuity. CULTURAL DISTINCTION Indigenous peoples maintain cultural, social, economic, and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant society. These include language, traditional practices, social structures, and often spirituality linked to their ancestral lands. SELF-IDENTIFICATION Self-identification as indigenous or belonging to an indigenous group is an integral part of their community membership and is often a requirement for legal and social recognition. CONNECTION TO THE LAND Indigenous peoples' traditional practices, livelihoods, and cultural and spiritual lives are often closely connected to their home region's land, water, and natural resources. GROUP CONSCIOUSNESS First Nations people possess a strong sense of group identity, expressed through a common heritage, language, history, and connection to the land. Often, this consciousness emerges as an opposition to the dominant society's policies and practices that seek to assimilate them or undermine their rights. HISTORICAL DISADVANTAGE Native peoples are frequently marginalized, disenfranchised, and disadvantaged by post-colonial and settler governments that have sought to erase their cultures and usurp their lands, including reducing access to political power and economic resources. INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION International bodies, including the United Nations, have frameworks to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The UN's definition, guided by the work of José Martínez Cobo (Special Rapporteur on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations), emphasizes non-dominance, cultural difference, and self-identification. Key documents include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which outlines and protects Indigenous peoples' rights to land, culture, education, and health care, free from discrimination. Internationally, the best-known indigenous groups include: Australia Aboriginal Australians–Indigenous peoples of the Australian mainland and Tasmania. Torres Strait Islanders–Indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, part of Queensland. Palestine/Israel Palestinians—The indigenous population of Arab descent in the regions historically and currently known as Palestine, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other faiths. Zimbabwe Shona–The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, making up more than 70% of the population. Ndebele–The second largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, predominantly in the country's south. Mexico Nahuas–Indigenous people are famously known as Aztecs; they speak Nahuatl and live mainly in central Mexico. Mayas–Indigenous people known for their historical civilization, residing primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula. Zapotecs–Indigenous people originally from the Oaxaca region. Mixtecs–are native to the region known as La Mixteca, which covers parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla. South Africa Zulu–One of the significant Bantu groups in South Africa, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal. Xhosa–Another major Bantu ethnic group living predominantly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. San (Bushmen)–Indigenous hunter-gatherers traditionally live in the Kalahari Desert. Khoikhoi (Khoi)–Pastoralist people from the Cape region. Gabon Fang –The largest ethnic group, also found in neighboring countries such as Cameroon. Punu–One of the several Bantu peoples of Gabon. Obamba–is an indigenous group in the central part of Gabon. New Zealand Māori–The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, originally from Polynesian islands. Brazil Brazil is home to a diverse array of indigenous tribes, including: Guarani: The Guarani are one of the most populous tribes in South America, especially prominent in the southern part of Brazil. They are known for their spiritual beliefs and agricultural practices. Kayapo: The Kayapo are known for their intricate body paint and headdresses. They reside in the Brazilian Amazon and are very active in environmental and political issues concerning the Amazon rainforest. Yanomami: This tribe lives in the northern Amazon region along the border between Brazil and Venezuela. The Yanomami have received international attention due to their struggles with illegal mining operations and deforestation. Tikuna: The Tikuna tribe is the largest indigenous group in the Brazilian Amazon, with a population spanning Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They are known for their traditional ceremonies and crafts. NATIVE AMERICANS VS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE In the United States, there are currently 574 federally recognized Native American tribes. This count includes both Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages, which are recognized as sovereign entities by the US federal government and are thus entitled to self-government. In Canada, the indigenous people, referred to as First Nations, are represented in 630 distinct populations. Below are the top five groups for each country. FIVE LARGEST NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES Here are the five largest tribes by enrollment figures, along with their primary locations: NAVAJO NATION Location: Extends into Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Enrollment: +/- 300,000 members. The Navajo Nation is the largest and one of the most politically influential Native American tribes in the United States. They have the largest reservation, which spans over 17 million acres. CHEROKEE NATION Location: Primarily based in Oklahoma. Enrollment: +/- 200,000 members. The Cherokee Nation is one of the three federally recognized tribes with the most tribal citizens. CHOCTAW NATION Location: Primarily based in Oklahoma. Enrollment: +/- 200,000 members. The Choctaw Nation is another of the major tribes in Oklahoma, originally from the Southeastern United States. SIOUX Location: The Sioux are divided into groups with populations spread across several states, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Enrollment: The Sioux consists of three major divisions (Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota), and enrollment numbers vary; the Sioux have +/- 170,000 members across various subgroups. The Sioux tribes include several bands and are known for their historical and cultural heritage. CHIPPEWA (OJIBWE) Location: Primarily located in the Northern Midwest USA and parts of Canada, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Enrollment: +/- 170,000 members. The Chippewa, also known as Ojibwe, have several bands that live across a wide area in the United States and Canada. These tribes are significant because of their large populations and cultural, economic, and political influence in their regions and across the country. Each tribe has its government, laws, police, and services, just like a small country. CANADA'S FIVE LARGEST FIRST NATIONS In Canada, the term "tribes" is not used; instead, the terms First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are standard. More than 630 First Nations governments or bands are spread across Canada, encompassing various cultures, languages, and histories. These First Nations are part of the broader distinctions of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Inuit of the Arctic and the Métis people, who trace their descent to Indigenous North Americans and European settlers. Here are the five largest First Nations by population, along with their primary locations: SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER Location: Ontario Population: +/- 27,000 members. The Six Nations of the Grand River is the largest First Nation in Canada regarding the population registered under the Indian Act. Initially, this designation covered the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations. MOHAWKS OF AKWESASNE Location: Ontario, Quebec, and part of New York (USA) Population: +/- 12,300 members. Akwesasne straddles the borders of Quebec, Ontario, and New York State on the St. Lawrence River. It is unique due to its location across two countries and three jurisdictions. SQUAMISH NATION Location: British Columbia Population: 10,000+ members. The Squamish Nation lives in the Greater Vancouver Area, including the scenic lands surrounding Howe Sound and the northern part of Vancouver. TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION Location: British Columbia Population: +/- 5,000 members. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, also known as the "People of the Inlet," is located on the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia. LA LA RONGE INDIAN BAND Location: Saskatchewan Population: +/- 11,000 members. The largest First Nation in Saskatchewan and one of the ten largest in Canada, the Lac La Ronge embodies six northern communities. These First Nations are crucial to understanding the social, cultural, and political landscape of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Each First Nation governs itself according to its governance systems under the frameworks established by the Canadian government and treaties. CONCLUSION Worldwide, First Nations, native peoples, and the original inhabitants of their lands continue to fight for their rights, culture and beliefs, whether self-determination or equal treatment under the law. However, in areas of law enforcement and protection, being an Indigenous person often leads to more crime and less justice, whether in the United States, the Amazon, Yukon or Palestine. National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls is an American awareness campaign designed to focus on increasing safeguards, resources and the reporting of crimes against Native American women and girls in the United States. The day, though, resonates with all indigenous people the world over. Regardless of borders, they tend to be targeted for crime and abuse at a much higher rate than the population at large. Today is a day to highlight their struggle, wherever they are, on this great blue marble we call home.

Africa

May

Mohini Ekadashi (H): May 8

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Mohini Ekadashi is a Hindu fast to free the soul from illusion. It is believed that whomsoever observes a total fast on this sacred day will collect future benefits and live happily in this life and the next. Hindus believe in reincarnation. Adherence to this day's customs is thought to release one from suffering and misery. Lord Krishna states that "There is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing Mohini Ekadashi; and he who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadashi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity." The Hindu word "Ekadashi" refers to the eleventh day of the waxing and waning lunar phases in the Hindu calendar, a sacred day for Hindu devotees observed as a day of fasting, prayer, and spiritual purification. The word "Ekadashi" is derived from the Sanskrit language, where "eka" means "one" and "dashi" means "ten." " Put together, Ekadashi" means "the eleventh," referring to the eleventh day of each lunar phase. There are 24 Ekadashi days in the Hindu lunar year, with each Ekadashi having its significance and associated rituals. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

May

Moms Week, Salute to 35+: May 11-17

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In developed nations, women are waiting longer to have children, which has advantages. Older mothers have more life experience and are generally wealthier and more mature. Of course, it has its drawbacks. After thirty-five, it can be difficult to conceive, energy is not as plentiful, and it is much harder to lose the baby weight. Salute to 35+ Moms Week is about supporting moms with more life experience than baby experience and helping them be the best moms they can be.

Africa

May

Moon—First Quarter: May 4

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The first quarter moon occurs when the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Each day forward increases the amount of the moon you can see. The first quarter typically occurs seven days after the New Moon.

Africa

May

Moon—Full: May 12

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A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

Africa

May

Moon—New: May 27

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The new moon occurs when the moon and the sun have the same elliptical longitude when the moon is at its closest point to the sun in its orbit. From earth, we usually cannot see it. The new moon is considered the first phase.

Africa

May

Moon—Third Quarter: May 20

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Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

Africa

May

Morning Tea for Cancer (AU): May 22

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In Australia, the fourth Thursday of May is the Morning Tea for Cancer Day. Organized and promoted by Australia's Cancer Council, the Morning Tea for Cancer is a tradition that aims to raise awareness on fighting and preventing one of the world's deadliest diseases.

Africa

May

Mother Goose Day: May 1

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Mother Goose Day began in 1987 with Gloria T. Delamar, the author of Mother Goose; From Nursery to Literature, as a promotional tool for her book. Libraries, schools, cities, and even nursing homes celebrate the day as an opportunity to explore the history of nursery rhymes and children's literature.

Africa

May

Mother's Day (HT): May 25

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Mother's Day traditionally falls in May because it is the ceremonial birth month of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Though most nations celebrate it on the second Sunday of May, Haiti chooses the last Sunday as its day. Children (adult and minor) will wear red flowers if their mother is living and either purple or white to honor those who have passed.

Africa

May

Mother's Day: May 11

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The US Congress created Mother's Day on May 8, 1914, which always falls on the second Sunday in May. Over 60% of nations worldwide recognize this day as Mother's Day, and the remaining 40% have different days to celebrate mothers, usually tied to religious or cultural customs. Mother's Day celebrates the extraordinary importance of mothers in our lives. Historically, May is the month of mothers because it is the ceremonial month of the birth of Jesus' mother, the Virgin Mary. Her actual birthday is unknown.

Africa

May

Motherless Daughters Awareness Week (AU): May 3-10

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Mother's Day can be difficult for many people, but it is especially tough on daughters who have lost their mothers. Motherless Daughters Awareness Week is set aside each year in Australia to support children who have lost their mothers and to raise awareness of the issues they encounter.

Africa

May

Motorcycle Safety Month (US/CA), Ntl.: May

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Motorcycle Awareness Month is sponsored annually by MAC and The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) in the United States and Canada. Its purpose is to promote awareness and safety of motorcyclists on roadways. Rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs are accessible in both nations. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

Africa

May

Mount Saint Helens Eruption (US-WA)(1980): May 18

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On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a volcano in the Cascade Mountain range of the northwestern region of the United States, erupted, unleashing 24 megatons of thermal energy, removing the north side and shrinking the mountain's height by about 1,300 feet (400 m). It left a crater one by two-mile (1.6 X 3.2 km) gash in its wake. The blast cloud enveloped the 17 miles north of the volcano. The landslide traveled about 14 miles west down to the North Fork of the Toutle River, where debris eventually wiped out the bridge on Interstate 5, the main north-south highway between Mexico and Canada in the United States. Prevailing winds blew 520 million tons of ash east across the United States and caused complete darkness in Spokane, Washington, 250 miles from the volcano. Fifty-seven people died due to the eruption, in addition to over 7000 large game animals and around 12 million salmon. The plinian eruption was in the same category as the infamous Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD and ranked five on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. That index measures volcanos on a scale of 1-7. Seven would match the volcanic eruption 600,000 years ago that created the Yellowstone Caldera when over 100 cubed kilometers of earth were extracted by its force. By contrast, Mount Saint Helens blew out 2.79 cubed kilometers. Experiencing the eruption My family had just moved to Portland, Oregon, from Silicon Valley in January 1980 when rumblings began registering on the mountain in February and March. We traded earthquakes for volcanos, it seemed. On May 18, the mountain completely exploded. I don't recall hearing it or seeing anything, but you could see the cloud from Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. That first significant explosion blew east rather than west where we lived. In the weeks following, one could follow the ash cloud spread in a large funnel shape from its origin, over the Rockies and into the Dakotas. The cloud was so large and dense in ash visible from outer space. I remember my father loading us in the FIAT and taking us to the top of Skyline Drive, which runs along the hills separating where we lived from the city of Portland and the Willamette River. It seemed to go on and on, as high as the eye could see. The mountain seemed to cough up billow after billow of gas and hot ash. We'd never seen anything like it and would later discover that the blast removed the mountaintop. Over the next several months, the mountain continued to erupt, with the wind not always in our favor. One particular Saturday, my parents held a garage sale. When we walked outside, it looked like it was snowing. It wasn't. It was ash, falling from the sky and covering it in several inches of grey, flaky dusk. That dust got into everything, turning into a thick paste when it rained. We had to walk around for days with monkey masks (my word at the time for the masks so standard now after COVID-19), which as a young teen, I detested. But the air was too thick to breathe. One of the aspects I remember fondly was when my father allowed me to help him take apart the engine of the FIAT and clean it. Every part of the car was caked in ash dust. Thank heaven Rosey's engine wasn't as complicated as today's. She had a manual choke, manual clutch, and no radio. It was a great learning experience and a tremendous father-daughter project. Little did I know that car would be mine in a few years. For those of us who witnessed Mount Saint Helens and her eruption, it is something we'll never forget. For us, far away, it was curiosity. For those close, fifty-seven people died, most from inhaling scalding ash. Round about the 25th anniversary, I found myself in Oregon again. Now in my thirties, I drove my car up to the mountain, which had reopened. The forest was beginning to come back. Animals had returned, and for a moment, it was nearly impossible to believe the event had ever happened. Then I glanced skyward toward the crater where a rounded dome once stood, and the reality returned. Oh yes, now, I remember. I remember it well.

Africa

May

MOVE Week, European: May 26 - June 1 (est)

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MOVE Week is an annual Europe-wide event showcasing the benefits of being active and regularly participating in sports and physical activity. With over one million participants, MOVE Week has become Europe's most significant annual week, promoting the benefits of regular participation in sports and physical activity. The week aims to engage 100 million Europeans in sports or physical activity.

Africa