News Release
Navajo Nation – Office of the President and Vice President
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Nez were joined by 24th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty during an event for the screening of “Somebody’s Daughter,” hosted by U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) on Saturday, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. to shed light on the impacts of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in tribal communities.
The film was directed by Rain, an award-winning film director, who highlights MMIW issues in Indian Country. In 2020, “Somebody’s Daughter” was released and gained national attention. The film captures the victims’ and their families’ stories through the lens of the legal jurisdictional maze and socio-economic bondage that constricts Indian Country.
“On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we thank Congressman Stanton for being a part of an important movement that impacts Indian Country, including the Navajo Nation. Far too many Navajo people continue to endure the heartache and frustration of a missing loved one and this film helps to bring awareness on a broader level. We have to continue to work together to bring our missing loved ones home. We thank Director Rain, all grassroots and community advocates, victims, and survivors for telling their stories and for their dedication and commitment to helping families and communities,” said President Nez during the keynote address.
During the event, First Lady Nez spoke about her experience as an appointed member of the New Mexico Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force and acknowledged U.S. President Joe Biden for issuing a new Executive Order on November 15, to work hand in hand with tribal nations and tribal partners to build safer and healthier communities and to support comprehensive law enforcement, prevention, intervention, and support services to help address missing and murdered Indigenous people.
“To meet the urgency of this problem, it is also crucial to focus on preventative efforts. As leaders, we have to invest and continue our community-based projects and programs that help Navajo families and children to help prevent and offset the impacts of social issues. We must all create a safer and healthier environment for our children and vulnerable populations,” said First Lady Nez, who also thanked the many community-based groups and volunteers who contribute their time and resources to moving these efforts forward.
Also in attendance was Arizona State Senator Jamescita Peshlakai (D-Dist. 7), U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller, Gila River Indian Community Lieutenant Governor Monica Antone, Omauw Resource Center CEO Valaura Imus-Nahsonhoya, and others.
For more information regarding “Somebody’s Daughter” film, please visit https://www.somebodysdaughter.com.
