Missing Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP)

Federal Legislation & Programs

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Federal Legislation & Programs

The Department is committed to fully implementing Public Law No. 116-165, Savanna’s Act. Signed into law in October 2020, Savanna’s Act was a bipartisan effort to improve the federal response to missing or murdered indigenous persons (MMIP), including by increasing coordination among Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. 

Establishes a federal commission to improve safety, data tracking, and justice outcomes for Indigenous peoples through tribal-federal partnerships. Not Invisible Act Commission

Creates a federal task force to enhance the justice response for MMIP cases in tribal communities. Executive Order 14053

An FBI initiative providing investigative and victim support services for MMIP cases across Indian Country, including North Dakota. Operation Not Forgotten

North Dakota State Legislation

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North Dakota State Legislation

“An Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54‑12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the collection of data on missing persons and the Missing Indigenous People Task Force; to amend and reenact section 54‑12‑34 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the criminal justice data information sharing system; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an expiration date.” HOUSE BILL NO. 1199

“An Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 39‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the feather alert notice system; to amend and reenact section 54‑35‑23 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the committee on tribal and state relations; and to provide for a report.” HOUSE BILL NO. 1535

“An Act to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 12.1‑32‑02 and subdivision h of subsection 5 of section 39‑08‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to sentencing alternatives and the sentencing of a defendant to an addiction treatment program for a violation of driving under the influence; and to provide for application.” HOUSE BILL NO. 1313

Statewide Alert Systems

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Statewide Alert Systems
HB1535 Signing Ceremony
Alert Systems Resources
ND Alert Info Sheet

Additional MMIP Resources

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Additional MMIP Resources

Feather Alert
An emergency broadcast system specifically for endangered Indigenous individuals. Alerts are disseminated via highway signs, cell phones, radio, television, and social media.

Missing/Endangered Persons Alert
Covers adults aged 18–65 who are missing under suspicious or potentially dangerous circumstances. Complements existing AMBER and Silver Alert systems.

StrongHearts Native Helpline
844-762-8483 (24/7) — Confidential, culturally specific support for Indigenous survivors of violence and their families.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233 — Available nationwide for immediate crisis support, resources, and safety planning.

Spirit Lake Victims Assistance
(701) 766-1816 / 866-723-3032    
Services Provided - Advocacy, shelter, transportation, education

TAT Victim Services    
(701) 627-4171  
Services Provided - Shelter, legal help, transportation, advocacy


Standing Rock - Sacred Plume    
(701) 854-4515    
Services Provided - Advocacy, transportation, referrals


Standing Rock - Abused Adult Resource Center    
(701) 854-7643 / 866-341-7009    
Services Provided - Shelter, advocacy, crisis education


Trenton Indian Service Area    
(701) 572-1806    
Services Provided - Transportation, referrals, advocacy

Sahnish Scouts
A grassroots nonprofit founded in 2013 by Lissa Yellowbird-Chase. Sahnish Scouts assist in search and recovery of missing Indigenous people. They operate in partnership with or independent of law enforcement, often assisting when official investigations stall or lack resources.

First Nation Women’s Alliance
A Native-led organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous women and families through advocacy, education, and support related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and broader Indigenous rights.
They organize community healing events, coordinate advocacy efforts at local and national levels, and provide culturally grounded resources for survivors and families.