May 5th is MMIR awareness day in the United States and Canada but for our Indigenous communities, every day is MMIR awareness day.
We must stand together to end the MMIR crisis.
We must bring them home.
We must demand justice.
Real change happens when communities stay engaged and support the people doing the work on the ground. Support and connect with local task forces, grassroots groups, and nonprofits dedicated to MMIR advocacy, family support, and prevention efforts.
If you are in Colorado, here are a couple suggestions. Follow them to stay up to date on cases, fundraisers, others to follow and awareness events.
@notournativedaughters@mmircolorado
Whether you attend events, volunteer, donate, or simply amplify the message, your support matters. Awareness is only the first step, action is what brings our relatives home and prevents future loss.
#mmir #mmiwawareness #nomorestolenrelatives #mmiwgt2s
I’ve spent years working alongside and mentoring incredible young Native artists, and this weekend I got to witness so many of them shine! From @apashee.art hosting their first Native Art Market, and raising awareness for the issues that matter to our communities. To @halcyon.levi gradutating from DU! And many others activily participating in youth groups, getting certified in art practices and managing the world of non-profits. Watching them step into their power is something I’m deeply inspired by. Support these amazing young people! They are incredible artists, community members and will be our next leaders ❤️
#NativeVoices #thefutureisindigenous
#IndigenousRising
Sid Whiting Jr and I had the honor of presenting the Living Land Project at the @coparkswildlife Partners in the Outdoors conference. What does Living Land mean? This focuses on celebrating environmental resiliency and uplifting the Native and Indigenous people, animals, and lands of Denver.
The project includes transforming the South Meadow into a native meadow, creating a medicine garden at the Lily Pond, and cultivating a gathering space at the former East Playground to honor Indigenous community and culture.
The conference opened with a powerful tribal nations roundtable, setting the tone for deep connection. After our presentation, I led a hands‑on Kinážiŋ seed activity because Living Land is about more than acknowledgment, it’s about action.
Kinážiŋ, meaning “to return to where you were moved from” in Lakota, reflects a living land philosophy that revitalizes Indigenous ecology while honoring community stories through art. Living Land means to acknowledge, to act, and to return.
#LivingLandProject #Kinážiŋ #IndigenousEcology #LandBackInAction #PartnersInTheOutdoors
Family means everything, and I’m so grateful to have a partner who shows up in every part of our lives. My husband helps run ayA Con with me, raises our son with so much heart, creates incredible comic art, and is always there for the community. Having someone in your corner like that is a gift.
This photo was taken by the talented Reyna @reynaesch
during a couples food tour with the Kinship program at the @denverindiancenterinc captures us perfectly. If you need a photographer, definitely check out her work.
#sageagainstthemachine #CreativeCouple #CommunityLove #CapturedMoments
Our first fundraiser was a powerful reminder of what’s possible. Standing alongside three other Native candidates running for office showed just how strong our communities can be when we step forward. But we need even more voices at the table.
This is a call to support those already doing the work, and to consider stepping into leadership roles within your own community. Representation shapes opportunity, and our stories deserve to be heard with strength and pride.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters, it does. And this is the moment to use it.
@teddyfordenver@goft_cer@voteredhorse
#NativeVoices #RepresentationMatters #IndigenousRising #CommunityPower #OurVoicesOurFuture
I’m deeply grateful to share the official announcement of my run for City Council At‑Large. Being able to make this announcement in the very arena where I grew up singing and dancing was incredibly meaningful.
I was raised at the Denver March Powwow, where my father, Howard Bad Hand, curated the song that has opened every grand entry for 50 years. Our family drum, Heart Beat, has carried that song across generations, and standing there reminded me of the roots and community that shaped me.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m honored, humbled, and ready to continue this journey with the same spirit I was raised in.
#announcement #BforBadHand #IndigenousRising #1stnativedenvercitycouncil #ourvoiceourfuture
Unofficial first announcement of my campaign dropped at the @cherokee.social concert on March 14th, 2026-and the energy was unreal. I got to preview our Black Light Powwow, part of @ayacon_denver , and share the stage with insanely talented musicians and dancers.
And this moon dress by @eugenerooks.tailor ? It absolutely exploded under the black light. The whole night felt electric, and I’m still riding that wave.
#BlackLightPowwow #AYACONDenver
#CherokeeSocial #MoonDressMagic #LivefromDenver
We have an opportunity to double our number of Indigenous elected officials in Colorado this year and next year 🪶
When I ran for office last year, I wasn’t aware of how significantly underrepresented we are. According to @advancenativepl , we’d need 341 Indigenous elected officials in the state of Colorado to achieve parity in representation.
This is why it’s a BIG DEAL for us— no matter the role. Please check out these Indigenous candidates— donate to them, volunteer for them and share their info with your family and friends!
@teddyfordenver for Denver City Council District 8
@goft_cer for Colorado House District 31 (Thornton area)
@voteredhorse for Colorado House District 13 (Summit County area)
@bforbadhand for Denver City Council At Large Seat B
