Indigenous people raise awareness about their missing and murdered

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Indigenous people across North America are rallying to plead for sustained responses to violence in their communities. Monday is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

The FBI says it has about 4,300 open cases involving missing people, deaths and abuse that disproportionately affects Indian Country. Events include prayer walks, self-defense classes, marches and speeches at state capitols to plead for better cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Many are painting their faces with red handprints to symbolize the violence and show unity with survivors.

Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to be homicide victims than the national average.