MMIP Resources in North Dakota
A central hub for legislation, alerts, support services, and advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP)
Federal Legislation & Programs
Savanna’s Act (2020)
Improves tribal access to federal databases, enhances coordination among law enforcement, and provides grant support to address MMIP cases.
Not Invisible Act
Establishes a federal commission to improve safety, data tracking, and justice outcomes for Indigenous peoples through tribal-federal partnerships.
Operation Lady Justice
Creates a federal task force to enhance the justice response for MMIP cases in tribal communities.
Operation Not Forgotten
An FBI initiative providing investigative and victim support services for MMIP cases across Indian Country, including North Dakota.
North Dakota State Legislation
House Bill 1199 (2025)
Establishes the North Dakota MMIP Task Force, including state law enforcement, education, and tribal representatives.
Funding: $250,000 for 2025–2027.
House Bill 1535 (2025)
Creates the “Feather Alert” system to issue statewide alerts for missing Indigenous individuals believed to be in imminent danger.
House Bill 1313 (2025)
Authorizes a dedicated North Dakota missing persons database to improve transparency, local access, and case tracking.
House Bill 1603 (2025)
Funds efforts to return Native American remains and sacred objects in compliance with the federal NAGPRA law.
Funding: $500,000.
Statewide Alert Systems
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.
Hotlines & Emergency Contacts
National Hotlines
- 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.
North Dakota Tribal Victim Services
| Tribe / Region | Phone Number(s) | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit Lake Victims Assistance | (701) 766-1816 / 866-723-3032 | Advocacy, shelter, transportation, education |
| Three Affiliated Tribes (TAT) | (701) 627-4171 | Shelter, legal help, transportation, advocacy |
| Standing Rock - Sacred Plume | (701) 854-4515 | Advocacy, transportation, referrals |
| Standing Rock - Abused Adult Resource Center | (701) 854-7643 / 866-341-7009 | Shelter, advocacy, crisis education |
| Trenton Indian Service Area | (701) 572-1806 | Transportation, referrals, advocacy |
| United Tribes Technical College (Bismarck) | (701) 255-3285 ext. 1372 | Education, crisis intervention, legal advocacy |
Community-Led 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.
Quick Access Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| StrongHearts Native Helpline | strongheartshelpline.org |
| DOJ MMIP Resource Center | justice.gov/tribal/mmip |
| National Missing Persons Search | namus.nij.ojp.gov |
Need Help Now?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or someone you know needs support, call:
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844-762-8483
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233