Since 2016, the National Crime Information Center has reported 5,712 cases of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. Despite these high numbers, many of these cases go unaddressed by law enforcement and are never solved. The Na’ah Illahee Fund supports Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest including those in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The organization has made additional funds available to address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
The nonprofit is now accepting applications for their Red Blanket Fund. Selected Indigenous individuals and families will receive $1,000 grants to help locate these missing and murdered individuals.
Applications will remain open until all funds are distributed. The money is intended to go towards search-related costs, awareness efforts, and care services for families who have lost loved ones. This includes gas money, meals, and hotel stays for those participating in search efforts, as well as money to cover fees for hiring a private detective. Money can also be used to cover funeral costs.
Individuals can apply online here or by email or phone at joni@naahillahee.org or 206-565-8041.
