May 5th, day of Awareness
Before the day is over; May 5 is a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. This public awareness march and advocacy event is a lot of planning - often times by volunteers who show up to help put this on - donations, advocates, families, people who have a reason (usually a loved one) that they show up for.
Over 75% of the people residing in Nome, are indigenous.....
I need to thank the following for all the support today and prep for these events.....
Taskforce for Justice Committee members: Ashley Payenna, Isabel MacCay, Megan McKneirnan , Kirsten Timbers
VOS: Lily Huntsman and her family
Sara Davis and Bobby Piscoya from Kawerak showing up to put all the things together and setup! Bringing coffee/tea, utensils, plates - all the work today!
Logan for reaching out about IT support
Rec Center Staff for the help
NPS for the stage!
The family of Florence Okpealuk
The family of Sam Gutowski
The family of Roger Hannon
The family of Ruth Tootkaylok
The classmate of Joey Martin
Blaire for stepping in for Archie Henry's family
The family of Ben Milton
The Family of Raleigh Iyapana
State of Alaska Dept. of Public Safety and their State Troopers, Lonny Piscoya and Tribal Liason, NSHC Behavioral Health, US State Attorney Michael Heyman, BIA's Jolene John. Senator Murkowski.
Diomede Dance Group, King Island Dance Group and Nome St. Lawrence Island Dance group.....
KNOM and the Nugget for always making sure we get the word out and spreading our messages today.
Everyone who showed up today. From the bottom of heart, quyanna for being there.
- Deilah
