The historic appointment of Bree Black Horse as the first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Assistant United States Attorney for the Northwest Region. Black Horse's new role is part of the Department of Justice's MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which aids in the prevention and response to MMIP through the resolution of MMIP cases where federal jurisdiction exists, and through collaboration, coordination, and communication with Tribal, federal, state governmental and non-governmental partners.
Black Horse, an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to her new role. She has advised Tribal governments and enterprises on all aspects of federal, state, and tribal law, including tribal sovereignty, economic development, treaty rights, and complex Indian country litigation. Earlier in her career, Black Horse served as a legal aid attorney and public defender for the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
Based out of the Yakima Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington, Black Horse will now prosecute and assist in the prosecution of MMIP-related violations of federal law that occur in Indian country throughout Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and California.
This appointment stems from years of activism by Native peoples that have demanded attention to the crisis of MMIP, and initiatives like the Not Invisible Act of 2020—the first piece of U.S. legislation introduced and passed by members of federally recognized tribes. That act enhanced intergovernmental coordination to address the MMIP crisis, and led to the creation of the MMIP Regional Outreach Program where Black Horse's role is based.
For the first time ever, the Department of Justice will have ten personnel, including Black Horse, dedicated solely to MMIP issues. The MMIP Regional Outreach Program Coordinator for the Northwest Region, Cedar Wilke Gillette, recently sworn in and is based out the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.
NJP's civil legal aid work aligns closely with the goals of the MMIP Regional Outreach Program. We provide crucial legal services such as securing restraining orders and handling custody disputes, which are vital in protecting victims from ongoing domestic violence and potentially preventing future MMIP cases. We encourage our community and supporters to engage with and support efforts by Tribes and local, state and federal initiatives to end this crisis. Together, through collaboration and sustained effort, we can hope to see an end to the MMIW/MMIP epidemic and a more robust justice process for Indigenous communities.
Resources
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Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women 2024 (video)
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When a Loved One Goes Missing: A Quick Reference Guide for Families of Missing Indigenous Women
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Search Workbook: Missing Indigenous Sisters Tools Initiative
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Redhouse Series Instagram Post: Organizations to follow for information and engagement
*NJP is compiling community resources that address the MMIWP epidemic to share on WashingtonLawHelp.org. If you would like to recommend any resources, please contact jillmullins@nwjustice.org.