In a significant Assembly Floor Session on May 8, 2025, California lawmakers gathered to discuss Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 39, which designates May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. This resolution, spearheaded by Assemblymember Ramos and supported by various legislative caucuses, aims to address the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous communities in California, particularly among Native American women and LGBTQ individuals.

Assemblymember Ramos, chair of the legislative Native American caucus, highlighted the staggering statistics surrounding violence in these communities, noting that 84.3% of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetimes. He emphasized that these figures reflect a broader state of emergency, exacerbated by systemic issues such as misclassification of ethnicity in crime reporting and the challenges posed by Public Law 280, which complicates law enforcement jurisdiction on reservations.

The session featured powerful testimonies from tribal leaders and advocates, underscoring the urgent need for action. Assemblymember Board, representing the LGBTQ caucus, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of increased data collection and community engagement to combat the epidemic of violence. Similarly, Assemblymember Patel from the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus expressed solidarity with Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for visibility and justice.

Several lawmakers, including Assemblymember Quirk Silva and Assemblymember Garcia, reinforced the call for urgent responses to missing persons cases, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous women. They pointed out that systemic neglect and jurisdictional confusion often lead to underreporting and inadequate responses to these crises.

The resolution is not merely symbolic; it represents a commitment to ongoing advocacy and policy changes aimed at protecting Indigenous lives. Assemblymember Schiavo from the Women's Caucus noted that the resolution is a pledge to listen to survivors and support tribal sovereignty, while Assemblymember Jackson from the Black Caucus emphasized the historical context of violence against Indigenous peoples and the need for collective action.

As California prepares to recognize May 2025 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, the discussions in this Assembly session reflect a growing acknowledgment of the crisis facing Indigenous communities. Lawmakers are urged to take concrete steps to ensure that the voices of California's first peoples are heard and that their safety and dignity are prioritized. The resolution serves as a call to action for continued advocacy and support for Indigenous rights and justice.