Marchers raise awareness of missing, murdered native women

In the walk-up to Mother's Day, supporters met at John K. Bob Ball Park Friday to march in honor of missing and murdered indigenous women.

Marchers from as far as British Columbia walked shoulder-to-shoulder through Swinomish Village, raising awareness to the disproportionate risk Native American, First Nations and Alaska Native women face when it comes to experiencing violence, murder or going missing.

They make up a significant portion of North America's missing and murdered cases, a fact not lost on those attending the Swinomish event. It was sponsored by the tribal community's Circles of Care program and featured several keynote speakers, including State Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Bow, a former Swinomish staff member.

In the last 15 years, more than 500 indigenous women and girls have been victims of homicide, which computes to a rate six times higher than their non-indigenous peers.

Lekanoff, a member of the Tlingit tribe of Alaska who recently completed her third term in Olympia, expressed appreciation that Washington state has taken the lead in addressing the plight of missing and murdered indigenous women.

She was also quite moved to have been invited to return to Swinomish as a primary speaker.

"I'd like to thank you for letting me come home and share a few words," said Lekanoff. "It's an honor to be back in the place that built me."

Lekanoff has sponsored a host of bills related to environmental and workforce protections and takes great pride in Washington state's creation of an alert system for missing and murdered indigenous people – the first of its kind.

"When women are exploited and it goes unaddressed, the more it moves us closer to genocide," she said.

Three members of the Vendiola family – Diane, Shelly and Michael – were also given speaking duties, along with tribal senators Barb James and Aurelia Bailey.

"This is one of those days where we humble ourselves," said James, who asked attendees to observe a moment of silence. "We need to be mindful of each other in one another's space. We each need to take time to reflect.

"Today, I think of our purpose of gathering here together," James said. "I thank each of you for being able to stand together, walk together and take these steps."

Bailey asked for prayers on behalf of families impacted by the issue of missing and murdered persons.

"I'm very, very thankful that we have this day, to uphold and care for one another," Bailey said.

Michael Vendiola, director of Swinomish Education, praised march participants for supporting the cause.

"This movement continues to grow all the time," he said.

Vendiola thanked Lekanoff for her remarks and acknowledged the attendance of La Conner School District Superintendent Will Nelson, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, and a contingent of women from Shelter Bay.

Members of Skagit County Fire District 13 and Swinomish Police Chief Earl Cowan and his officers were likewise recognized.

The Swinomish Youth Canoe Family led the march, keeping everyone in step with singing and dancing. Cathi Bassford trailed the serpentine in a utility vehicle loaded with bottled water on hot, sunny afternoon.

"We didn't realize it would be this warm," said event spokesperson Jenny Peters, who urged all to remain hydrated.

She and Michael Vendiola alluded to the spiritual nature of the march.

"This is a prayer walk for our missing and murdered indigenous women," Vendiola said.

"We give prayers for families who've lost loved ones and have had no closure," Peters said.