By james art 
The HB15 restores the missing and killed root working group in Utah.
Utah has the 9th largest number of crimes against root women in the country. These crimes are disproportionately disadvantaged and missing the data required to deal with this problem. In addition, there remains a serious distrust between law enforcement and indigenous population. Utah may currently set a national standard for the treatment of indigenous people.
This legislative session can protect the lives of our root sisters. Utah should stand up for the support of HB15.
Insufficient reporting and lack of data
Crimes against root women remain severely reported.
Communicated crimes are often dismissed by law enforcement agencies. Of the 5 712 cases reported in 2016, only 116 entered the Ministry of Justice.
Insufficient reporting and failure to commit crimes leads to a serious difference in data. In a study conducted by the City Indian Health Institute, surveyors wished to receive accurate data on crimes against root women. Out of 50 states they were able to obtain only data 21 of them. This is less than 50 percent.
With this lack of data, the amount of disappeared and killed local women is probably even more. Native women fail from the system designed to protect them again and again.
The restoration of the missing and killed root female working group is responsible for legal agencies. It guarantees that law enforcement authorities are not just drop These cases, but instead pursue them to the same extent as other violent crimes.
In support of this bill, Utah will probably see more accurate data reflecting crimes against local women. This allows for better statistics on crime that protects the state as a whole, not just indigenous communities.
Voting against HB 15 is a lack of care for the lives of root women. This means supporting the continuation of judicial abuse. It enables law enforcement authorities to continue the dismissal of the murder.
There has been a long need for intervention. Utah can take the first steps in the right direction by holding responsible law enforcement. For this purpose, representatives must vote in favor of HB15.
Community
Has a long history of distrust between indigenous communities and law enforcement. This factor is partly responsible for the insufficient reporting of crimes against root persons.
The root of this distrust is deep. Leaving aside the layers of betrayal From the government to the indigenous communities there are years racism and violence These people from the law enforcement themselves vowed to protect them.
Due to these prejudice, indigenous Americans are excessive in the prison population. Native communities have an extremely justified reason to believe that the police have no best interest.
In an interview with a local student porter who wanted not to reveal his surname, they said, “I like to trust in people who are good but … I don’t think I ever felt safe but it’s kind of kind of look Something that happens continuously. ”
Porter believes that the police are in good faith, but their fear still exists.
This voltage must be addressed. Both sides must be able to work closely, not against each other, to the root of these crimes.
HB15 allows Utah to switch this story. The restoration of a working group dedicated to crimes against indigenous communities shows that Utah is ready to change.
Although it may not cancel the years of the prejudice of the indigenous population by the government, it is a necessary step towards the changes that must be made. Support for this bill shows local communities that Utah is on their side.
To correct the connection between these two groups, it is difficult that Utah supports HB15.
National pressure
Utah is a leader in progress and industry. Decisions made in this country have impacts throughout the country. Root groups across the country will look forward to this decision.
The creation of a working group in Utah on the MMIW crisis has the potential to set a national standard. Because lack of data is a major concern, it is essential to take action more. The more data from participation throughout the country, the more information is available to the law enforcement agencies to effectively lead to root groups.
In 2021, Washington created Their own disappeared and killed special group for root women. In the coming years, Washington State has noted an increase in state funding to test the DNA testing of unidentified remains, improvements in data collection and newly carried out state reports in these cases.
The following year, Washington leaders installed the missing signal for the indigenous population. As of October 2024, this signal was used 114 times. In all, except 13 of these cases, the person is missing is located.
The MMIW Working Group in Washington has saved 101 life. Utah has the opportunity to repeat this success. Our representatives can influence state leaders to do more for their indigenous communities.
Utah representatives have the power to refer to a change across the country. This change begins with the vote in favor of HB15.
In the same interview, Porter brings out another invaluable point. They said, “[people] Don’t watch the victims still here who still deal with the consequences of what has just happened to them. It is not yet said. “
Porter is right. There is still so much work that needs to be done. We need to gather not only to bring not only justice to our indigenous sisters, but also to provide resources that support the surviving victims.
Native communities are invaluable. It’s time to treat them as such.
chansen@dailyutahchronicle.com
@Charlotteh97333