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Hundreds gather in Billings for MMIP awareness

Posted at 12:59 PM, May 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-07 13:29:27-04

BILLINGS – Hundreds of people gathered Sunday night in Billings to Line the Rims in Red to raise awareness for the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

The event was held on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls.

Organizers said that “Line the Rims” was meant to symbolize a transition in their cause from “women” to “people” in order to be more inclusive of all Indigenous people.

The day followed the signing of “Hanna’s Act” by Governor Steve Bullock in Montana.

The bill authorizes the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist with the investigation of all missing persons cases and requires the DOJ to hire a Missing Persons Specialist.

The MSU Billings Native American Achievement Center is asking people who attended the event to share photos as part of a social media contest.

The photos with the most likes will be used to promote events in the future. To submit your photo, post it to the MMIW Facebook page.

-Samantha Sullivan reporting for MTN News