Lifestyles
Choctaw Nation to host 5K run, awareness day to recognize Missing, Murdered Native Women
By Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
May 4, 2024
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Durant, Oklahoma -- May 5 marks National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. According to national data sources, in the United States, there are nearly 23,000 people reported as missing from tribal lands. Of those, approximately 700 are missing from Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) will host two events that bring awareness to violence against Native American women – a run and a day of information and inspiration.

On Monday, May 6 the non-profit organization Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta will present an Awareness Day program from Noon to 2 p.m. at the College of the Muscogee Nation, 2170 Raven Circle in Okmulgee. The event is open to the public. Counselors, social workers, law enforcement, and other professionals in the field are encouraged to attend. Speakers from the school’s Criminal Justice Club and others will deliver personal messages.

For additional information about the May 6 event, contact Karrisa Hodge, event organizer, at khodge@choctawnation.com.

Also, CNO Outreach Services Program will begin its 3rd Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) 5K Run and 1 Mile Run/Walk at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 at the Choctaw Community Center, 302 SW O St. in Antlers. Race day registration is 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Registration cost is $25 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 1 Mile.

The event is open to the public. Vendor booths onsite at the community center will feature Choctaw Entrepreneurs, beadwork, artwork, and more. For race information and updates, visit https://chocta.ws/mmiw-run or contact event organizer Tasha Mitchell at (580) 642-6042 or tmitchell@choctawnation.com.

About the Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with over 225,000 tribal members and over 12,000 associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.