Red Shawls Remember the Fallen

As many of us celebrate Thanksgiving today, let’s pause for a moment to remember those who have died by violence, whether by an abusive partner or relative, state-sponsored agents, terrorist aggressors, or one of the many military clashes across the globe.

Last Sunday was Red Shawl Day, commemorated across Indian country and beyond to honor missing and murdered Indigenous people, especially Native women and girls, across North America. All this week people are wearing red shawls or other red articles of clothing to raise awareness of this growing crisis.

According to the Department of Justice, Indigenous American women are missing and murdered at a rate more “than 10 times the national average.”

From a statement by the National Park Service:

The National Park Service is part of an all-of-government effort to bring attention and action to missing and murdered Indigenous people. America’s national parks are part of and surrounded by many Indigenous communities. As part of this observance, you may see National Park Service staff wearing red shawls.

Along with the picture above, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland posted the following message: “On Red Shawl Day, we commit to end the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. At @Interior, we’re working with Tribes, partners and families to put a spotlight on this epidemic of violence.”

Every human life has and deserves dignity, and we at PDA will continue to advocate for diplomacy over military violence, and for humanitarian succor over ethnic and racial hatred. We believe there is a better way to live together, where all can thrive, where all are respected, where each life is cherished.

Be at peace today, even as we continue the fight for human rights, liberty, and dignity.

In solidarity and with gratitude for each and every one of you,

Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team