Name: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day
Start: 2026-05-05T17:00:00-06:00
Location: 301 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT, United States, Montana 59401

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day

The Great Falls Public Library, in partnership with the YWCA Great Falls, the Little Shell Tribe, and Jen Murphy, bring an evening of remembrance and education regarding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in the US. MMIP is observed annually on May 5th, to honor the individuals who have gone missing or have lost their lives due to violence against Indigenous Peoples.
5:00 PM The YWCA has collected flower petals from the generous flower shops in town. Folks can meet at the Central Avenue Bridge (east side) for a petal release into the water to remember those lost. They will also have red paint available for those who wish to participate.
5:30 PM The YWCA will lead an Awareness Walk from the Central Avenue bridge to the Library. Participants will walk along 1st Ave N, up 3rd St N, and then to the Library.
5:45 PM In partnership with the YWCA and the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, we will fill the cracks of the sidewalks along 2nd Ave and 3rd St N at the Great Falls Public Library with red sand. This is part of the Red Sand Project.
6-6:30 PM Events at the Library officially begin with snacks and water provided. This is a social time for people to come together. We will also provide a table in the Cordingley Room for folks to place photos or items from those who are missing or have been murdered. This is a Remembrance Table.
6:30 PM Jen Murphy will begin her talk. During this program, she will share her children's book regarding MMIP, More Like Her, which is currently in our collection under J 970.004 MURPHY. Jen will show her film, Not Afraid, navigating the grief of losing a loved one to the MMIW crisis.
We will complete the program by reading the list of current MMIW names to the group. With each name, Tanisha Rattler Eagle Speaker will keep a rhythm with a drum beat.
Thank you to the Great Falls Public Library Foundation and the Montana Arts Council for sponsoring this event. Additional support from coal tax placed into Montana’s Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Trust Fund.