Facebook has become a vital tool for raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) within tribal communities, particularly in regions like northwestern Wisconsin where Ojibwe tribes are prevalent. Tribal Facebook friends often share missing persons notices from various states and provinces, as well as from Indian Country and even Pacific Islanders from Hawaii. This platform has played a crucial role in spreading information and mobilizing support for missing individuals.
One recent example of the power of Facebook in aiding missing persons cases was the reposting of a notice by the Bemidji, Minnesota, Police Department for an 18-year-old who had been missing but reconnected with her family. Rene Ann Goodrich, a Bad River tribal member and Wisconsin MMIW Task Force Member, highlighted the significance of Facebook within indigenous communities, referring to it as the „moccasin telegraph.“ The MMIW movement originated on social media, allowing families to bring visibility to their missing loved ones and organize events and marches for advocacy.
A poignant social media post by Native Americans United illustrated the disparity in media attention between missing white individuals and missing indigenous women. This phenomenon, known as „The Missing White Girl Syndrome,“ underscores the need for alternative platforms like Facebook to amplify the voices of indigenous communities. While mainstream media often overlooks MMIW cases, social media provides a space for families to share their concerns and seek assistance in locating missing relatives.
Goodrich emphasized the role of Facebook in facilitating search efforts for missing persons, such as Sheila St. Claire from Duluth, Minnesota. The platform enables families to reach out to a wider audience, organize search efforts, and offer rewards for information on missing individuals. Despite the challenges faced by indigenous communities in receiving media coverage, Facebook has emerged as a powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support for MMIW cases.
In addition to raising awareness, Facebook also serves as a platform for addressing issues like human trafficking, which poses a significant threat to missing persons, especially teenagers. Goodrich cautioned against prematurely discontinuing search efforts based on limited communication from missing individuals, as they may be under the influence of traffickers coercing them to make misleading posts. The Twin Ports region, encompassing Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking due to its international shipping port.
Overall, Facebook has revolutionized the way indigenous communities approach missing persons cases, offering a platform for sharing information, organizing search efforts, and advocating for justice. By leveraging the power of social media, tribal communities can amplify their voices, raise awareness about MMIW cases, and work towards ensuring the safe return of missing individuals. The continued use of Facebook as a tool for advocacy and support is essential in addressing the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.