MMIP Awareness Month: Honoring Lives and Raising Voices at the Ranch

May is MMIP Awareness Month, a time to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and raise visibility around the violence impacting Native communities. At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, youth and staff gathered for a powerful vigil on Wednesday, May 14th, that brought this national crisis close to home.

Youth-Led Vigil Brings Focus to MMIP Awareness

Led by Mustang Nation—a youth-led cultural club through our Native American Services program—the event was held in the Chapel on campus. Youth and staff came together to reflect, learn, and take action.

The vigil raised awareness about MMIP, the risks of human trafficking, and the growing dangers of illicit fentanyl in Indigenous communities. To close the gathering, participants joined in a Red Sand activation—filling sidewalk cracks with red sand to symbolize those who have fallen through the cracks of systems meant to protect them.

Standing in Solidarity, Amplifying Awareness

Among those present were Mike Chavers, CEO; Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator; Charlie Sleeper, Mental Health Worker; Eric Thorson, Licensed Addiction Counselor; and MMIP advocates Yolanda Fraser and Justin Ras. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to standing with Indigenous communities and amplifying youth voices.

As we observe MMIP Awareness Month, we recommit to listening, learning, and taking action. Events like this remind us that awareness is only the beginning—what follows must be ongoing support, advocacy, and change.

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