Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women - Now What?
Indigenous women make up a significant portion of the missing and murdered cases in the United States. In some places, the murder rate is ten times higher than the national average for women living on Indian reservations. In recent years, advocacy groups have raised awareness about the epidemic, leaving many to ask what can be done to reduce such violence. This presentation will provide an overview of the legal history of criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country and an update on current policy changes at the tribal, state and federal levels to address violence against native women.
Affie Ellis (Navajo) is a State Senator representing Wyoming’s 8th District in Cheyenne. She serves as the Chairman of the Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee, the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the Select Committee on Tribal Relations. Ellis is the Senate Co-Chairman of the bi-partisan Wyoming Women’s Legislative Caucus, which organizes an annual Leap Into Leadership conference to encourage women to run for office.
Professionally, Ellis is a Shareholder with the law firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and practices in the areas of natural resources, energy, environment, and federal Indian law.
