During a recent meeting of the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee in North Dakota, a powerful testimony highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) in the state. Tanya Hertel, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and a resident of Standing Rock, shared her personal story about her mother, Monica Bersier Wickery, who went missing in 1993.

Hertel's account shed light on the challenges faced by families of missing persons, particularly in navigating law enforcement and jurisdictional barriers. She recounted how her family struggled to report her mother missing due to a lack of communication and support from authorities. Hertel emphasized that her mother’s case was mishandled, with jurisdictional confusion leading to delays and a lack of coordinated search efforts.

The emotional weight of her testimony resonated with committee members, as Hertel described the pain of losing her mother and the frustration of dealing with multiple law enforcement agencies over the years. She pointed out that the investigation into her mother’s death has been passed from the FBI to the Department of Criminal Investigation, highlighting systemic issues that families face in seeking justice.

The discussion around MMIP issues is particularly significant for North Dakota, where Indigenous communities have been disproportionately affected by violence and disappearances. Hertel's testimony serves as a call to action for lawmakers to address these systemic failures and improve support for families dealing with similar tragedies.

In addition to Hertel's testimony, the committee discussed various legislative measures aimed at improving resources and support for MMIP cases. The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement and grassroots efforts in addressing these critical issues.

As the committee continues its work, the stories of individuals like Hertel remind us of the urgent need for change and the importance of ensuring that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one without the support and justice they deserve.