The Great Falls Public Library is excited to partner with the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, The YWCA-Great Falls and our keynote speaker Jen Murphy to present an evening of events dedicated to spotlighting the efforts to remember and educate our community about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People on May 5.

The YWCA events will take place on the Central Avenue Bridge starting at 5 pm, culminating in a walk to the Library. After the walk, the Great Falls Public Library will host a memorial social, a program with with author/filmmaker Jen Murphy and a reading of the list of the names of current Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

The full lineup of MMIP Day events are as follows:

5 PM The YWCA has collected flower petals from the generous flower shops in town. Folks can meet at the Central Avenue Bridge (east side) for a petal release into the water to remember those lost. They will also have red paint available for those who wish to participate.

5:30 PM The YWCA will lead an Awareness Walk from the Central Avenue bridge to the Library. Participants will walk along 1st Ave N, up 3rd St N, and then to the Library.

5:45 PM In partnership with the YWCA and the Little Shell Tribe, we will fill the cracks of the sidewalks along 2nd Ave and 3rd St N at the Great Falls Public Library with red sand. This is part of the Red Sand Project. 

6-6:30 PM Events at the Library officially begin with snacks and water provided. This is a social time for people to come together. We will also provide a table in the Cordingley Room for folks to place photos or items from those who are missing or have been murdered. This is a Remembrance Table.

6:30 PM Jen Murphy will begin her talk. During this program, she will share her children’s book regarding MMIP, More Like Her, which is currently in our collection under J 970.004 MURPHY. Jen will show her film, Not Afraid, navigating the grief of losing a loved one to the MMIW crisis.
We will complete the program by reading the list of current MMIW names to the group. With each name, Tanisha Rattler Eagle Speaker will keep a rhythm with a drum beat.

This program is in partnership with the YWCA-Great Falls and the Little Shell Tribe. Our major sponsors are Great Falls Public Library Foundation and the Montana Arts Council. Additional support from coal tax placed into Montana’s Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Trust Fund.