Data can lose identity
Race may be misclassified, and many federal records do not include Tribal affiliation.
A permanent daily watch
Native Children
Watch
Our children are not statistics. Their names, families, Nations, cultures and futures matter.
The first letter
The first responsibility is to count honestly.
Native children deserve urgency—and accuracy. National figures can reveal part of the story, but they cannot yet describe the full scope of Native children reported missing across the United States.
NCMEC reports that 294 of the 28,845 children reported missing to the organization in 2023 were Native American, and that 96% of those reported cases were resolved. Those are NCMEC case figures, not a complete count of every Native child who went missing in the United States.
Federal reviews explain why caution matters: national databases do not contain comprehensive data, reporting systems differ across Tribal, federal, state and local jurisdictions, and some major systems lack a dedicated Tribal-affiliation field. The true national total is therefore not known.
We will not turn an incomplete number into a dramatic claim. We will use this space to make verified information visible, elevate Native-led work and help families find the right official route when help is needed.
Today’s action
Save two numbers: 1-800-THE-LOST for NCMEC and 1-844-7NATIVE for StrongHearts. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Why this watch exists
A dedicated space, because incomplete visibility can delay action.
Responsibility can cross boundaries
Tribal, federal, state and local authority can differ by the person, place and alleged offense.
Families deserve a clear route
Official case channels and Native-led family support should be easier to find and understand.
Words readers may see
Related terms—not interchangeable labels.
- MMIW / MMIWG
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; or Women and Girls.
- MMIWR
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives—a term that recognizes a wider circle of relatives.
- MMIP
- Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, used for people of all genders and ages.
Red is used throughout this page in recognition of the red-centered awareness language and public materials used during MMIW/MMIWG/MMIWR observances. The design is original and does not reproduce an organization’s logo or ceremonial imagery.
Native-led work and official help
Know who is already carrying this work.
These links go to each organization’s own description of its role. Inclusion is informational, not a claim that any one group represents every Tribe or family.
Native-led · Survivor-led
Not Our Native Daughters
NOND works to end trafficking, exploitation and murder through prevention, youth leadership, family-directed support, cultural reclamation and policy change.Visit NONDMMIWG / MMIWR resources
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
NIWRC maintains resources for families, advocates, Tribal leaders, educators and communities responding to missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives.Open the MMIWG collection24/7 confidential support
StrongHearts Native Helpline
Native-centered domestic and sexual violence support, safety planning and referrals by phone, text or online chat. Phone service is available to people of all ages.Get help from StrongHeartsOfficial cases and tips
BIA Missing & Murdered Unit
The Bureau of Indian Affairs publishes family-authorized active case profiles and accepts information about missing and murdered cases in Indian Country.View official MMU casesIf help is needed now
Use an official route. Do not investigate alone.
Immediate dangerCall 911Missing or exploited child1-800-THE-LOSTNative-centered support1-844-7NATIVEMMIP informationBIA MMU
StrongHearts does not connect callers to 911. The BIA MMU tip route is for missing and murdered cases connected to Indian Country; follow the page’s jurisdiction guidance. Never post an unverified accusation or a child’s private information.
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