SKC hosts fourth annual MMIP awareness event

The fourth annual Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons awareness event takes place at Salish Kootenai College Johnny Arlee & Victor Charlo Theater from 10 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. on April 25.  

The event includes a welcoming ceremony, 5K, vendors, food and testimonials. It was created as a healing space, event coordinator Shelbie Piedalue said.  

The MMIP event was started by Providence St. Joseph, which later partnered with resources on the reservation as the event grew. Piedalue said it has evolved over the years and now Providence has partnered with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Journey to Wellness, Safe Harbor and Salish and Kootenai College.  

Piedalue noted that the testimonials provide an opportunity for people to highlight their lost love ones and tell their stories. She added that a meal is also a great way to culturally bring people together.  

The event also aims to raise funds for the CSKT MMIP Victim Services Assistance Fund. The fund was created in 2021 to assist families on the Flathead Indian Reservation that have been impacted by the MMIP crisis, and it also sponsors the awareness event.  

The fund has assisted families in their search for their loved ones by covering travel, food, and lodging, as well as the cost of flyers, T-shirts and billboards. The fund includes providing other critical assistance during an MMIP crisis.