‘This is an epidemic’: Community raises awareness about missing, murdered Indigenous people [Video]

BOISE, Idaho — More than 100 people gathered in Boise to mark Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day with signs held high, calling attention to what advocates describe as an epidemic affecting Native communities.

The Indigenous Idaho Alliance and Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence organized Monday’s walk from the Idaho State Capitol to the Boise Centre. Afterward, a summit featuring speakers and cultural performances was held to create a space for community members to “reflect and grieve together.”

“This is an epidemic within our communities,” said Jillian Putra, who participated in the event to advocate for her aunt Marlene, who died in 2021.

“She was found shot in her vehicle on my reservation, the Duck Valley reservation,” she said. “It’s right on the Idaho, Nevada …