Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Week continues its education through two major events focused on awareness, community, and Indigenous resilience. A guest lecture from Dr. Vanessa Esquivido-Hernandez and the fourth annual Big Time celebration at Butte College highlighted both the urgency of the MMIW crisis and the strength of Indigenous traditions and voices.
Wednesday afternoon wrapped up with a presentation from Vanessa Esquivido-Hernandez, Ph.D in Ayres Hall. Esquivido-Hernandez is an enrolled member and elected Vice Chairwoman of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation and is also Hupp and Xicana.
She earned her doctorate in Native American Studies from the University of California, Davis, where her research focused on non-federally recognized California tribes and their struggles for federal recognition. Her work also centers on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, specifically supporting the return of Native remains and cultural items to tribes.
In addition to her academic work, Esquivido-Hernandez serves as co-chair of the Sacramento Native American Higher Education Collaborative and is a founding member of the California Indian Studies and Scholars Association. During her presentation, she connected these broader systemic issues to the ongoing MMIW crisis affecting Indigenous communities across the country.
She opened her talk by sharing a shortened version of a traditional story from the Wiyot and Yurok tribes of Northern California. The story of Abalone Woman and Dentilium Man centered on honoring, celebrating, and protecting Native women. The story helped frame the presentation’s larger message: Indigenous women have always held an important place within Native communities, and protecting them is a community responsibility.
Esquivido-Hernandez shared alarming statistics surrounding violence against Native women. According to the figures she presented, Native women are murdered at rates far above the national average, and 84% of Native women experience violence in their lifetimes. Despite the seriousness of those numbers, she emphasized the power of community and collective action.
“We have a strong community and we will not stand for this,” she said.
Throughout the presentation, Esquivido-Hernandez discussed the relationship between land, culture, and Native women. She explained that respect for women, community care, and maintaining strong family systems are all connected to the safety and well-being of Indigenous people.
“We make space for our women,” Esquivido-Hernandez said.
She also discussed the importance of meaningful repatriation through NAGPRA and how returning ancestors and sacred belongings to tribes represents healing, dignity, and justice. Her lecture encouraged students and attendees to think critically about the systems that continue to affect Indigenous communities while also recognizing the resilience and strength that exist within those communities.
The week concluded Thursday with the fourth annual “Big Time” event on the Butte College Center Campus Lawn. The all-day gathering celebrated Indigenous culture through music, dance, food, art, and community traditions. Vendors sold handmade crafts and jewelry while feather dancers performed throughout the event. Elders were also recognized during the celebration, emphasizing respect for tradition and community leadership.
Students, families, and community members gathered throughout the day to participate in the celebration and continue conversations surrounding MMIW awareness. Sisters Iyana and Tanaya Lee, both Butte College students, encouraged people to attend more events that bring different cultures together and create opportunities for education and understanding.
One of the event’s highlights was a performance by Stella Standingbear, the first Lakota artist to win two historic awards at the 2023 Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards. Her performance blended modern music with Indigenous identity and storytelling, bringing contemporary Native artistry to the celebration.
Standingbear spoke about the importance of events like “Big Time” in helping educate both Native and non-Native audiences.
“It’s a way to educate,” Standingbear said.
She also addressed practical ways communities can help protect Native women, including maintaining communication, location sharing, and regularly checking in with loved ones. Her comments reflected the larger themes of awareness and collective responsibility that were present throughout MMIW Week.
“I use my music not just as a way to share my stories and my experiences but to shed light on the issues that are going on in my community,” Standingbear said.
While the week focused on raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, it also highlighted Indigenous resilience, community strength, and the importance of centering Native voices.
By combining advocacy with celebration, MMIW Week encouraged attendees not only to learn about the crisis affecting Indigenous communities but also to recognize the traditions, stories, and people working to create change.
The events served as a reminder that awareness begins with listening and honoring Indigenous voices, which is essential in building safer and stronger communities.
Merri Shiger and Caden Huntley can be reached at [email protected]
