Alaska recognizes May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Day

For decades, Alaska Native communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members.

The numbers tell the story. Alaska Native women are overrepresented in the domestic violence victim population by 250 percent, and even though Alaska Natives make up 19 percent of the population in Alaska, they represent 47 percent of the reported rape victims in the State.

Overall, more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime.

Alaska has the fourth-highest number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) in the country, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute.

In honor, and to bring attention Alaska recognizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Day on May 5 in honor of those lost to violent crime.

In his proclamation, Governor Mike Dunleavy highlighted several steps the state has taken to address MMIP cases. Last spring, the state senate passed, and Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a bill that establishes a review commission to resolve MMIP cases and revised DPS requirements for handling such cases. It also makes mandatory entry of missing persons into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, and requires that the State employ MMIP investigators, and requires that all current and future Alaska law enforcement officers attend cultural diversity training with an emphasis on MMIP.

The State of Alaska now has four MMIP investigators, two tribal liaisons, and dedicates significant resources to address these cases and work with the family members of missing and murdered persons.

“In Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the elevated rates of missing and murdered Indigenous persons and support law enforcement, victim advocacy, and the efforts of Alaska Native Tribes to work with State, local, and other entities working together toward solutions.”

In response to not only MMIP, but persons missing across the Mat-Su Borough, the Frontiersman is kicking off a new column every Friday that will highlight persons reported missing to Alaska State Troopers and other local law enforcement agencies, both current and cold cases.

This week, we highlight James Edward Badgley, from Wasilla, who was reported missing January 18, 2025.

Last seen at Krispy Kreme at approximately 10:00am. He was reported to be wearing a black hoodie with ‘Alaska’ written in red and a white outline of Alaska on the back, dark blue jeans, and black Hey Dude shoes.

Badgley is described as a 14-year-old, Indigenous male, with brown hair, brown eyes, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighing 180 pounds.

If seen, please call Wasilla Police (907) 352-5401, case #250000111.