Skate for MMIWG2ST

MMIWG2ST - Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit Trans is a rising movement to bring awareness of an ongoing epidemic!

It has been reported that Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit and Trans relatives have been a target of sexual violence and homicide since the first settler arrival leading to the birth of MMIWG2ST.

Indigenous families who have experienced a loved one who has gone missing or murdered are not provided with much assistance, support or attention.

It's reported that murder is the 3rd leading cause of death among Indigenous Women.

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The Start of a Skating Awareness Mission:

Melissa Skeet is a Diné (Navajo) Ultra Trail Skater who skates to bring awareness to important Indigenous causes.

In July of 2021, Melissa roller skated 47 miles in one day while her partner, Nate Zahn biked alongside, to bring awareness to the 215 remains of Indigenous Children that were found in Kamloops Residential Schools in Canada. Since then, the number of remains found of Indigenous Children has increased throughout Canada and the U.S. 

Melissa skated to raise donations for Legacy of Hope Foundation.

During October - November of 2021, Melissa roller skated 192 miles across the Navajo Nation with Ultra Trail Skater Daisy Purdy and Melissa's partner Nate Zahn to bring awareness to an ongoing epidemic of our Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls 2Spirit, Trans relatives and raise awareness regarding impacts of extractive industries on Indigenous Peoples.

Melissa skated to raise donations for StrongHearts Native Helpline and Rollin' For Rock Research. 

May 7th, 2022:

On May 7th, Melissa will be Roller Skating on the Centennial Trail in Arlington, WA to bring further awareness in honor of National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day on May 5th. 

Proceeds and donations will be going to Native Hope. 

Unable to join on May 7th, that is A-OK!

Melissa will be skating the whole month of May to skate in solidarity with MMIWG2ST. Join us virtually for the whole month of May wherever your heart desires! Let us know by tagging:

@skeet_fighter and @projectnativehope on Instagram and use the hashtag: #skateforMMIWG2ST #projectnativehope

Proceeds and donations will be going to Native Hope.

Not a Skater - No worries!!! Still sign up and join us!!

Please join in by:

• Roller blading
• Skate-boarding
• Run
• Walk
• Hike
• Etc. 

Native Hope

Native Hope addresses the injustices done to Native Americans and dismantle barriers through storytelling and impactful programs to bring healing and inspire hope. Your donation will assist Native Hope to continue their mission to empower Native communities, provide youth and community outreach, assist their fellowship program, and further raise awareness about the injustices to Native Americans.

Over the course of two centuries in North America, there was a near genocide of Native American peoples and their way of life. Now, the unhealed wounds of this genocide continue to affect the health and prosperity of Native communities across the continent.

It is time for a healing of these historical wounds and a restoration of trust. Native Hope is a resource that helps Native communities meet their needs. Native Hope talks with community members, listen to their challenges, and partner with tribal entities to find solutions—in a unified effort to dismantle barriers, empower leaders, and give hope for a promising tomorrow.

Native Hope respects the sovereignty of Native nations. Their leaders and communities know what is best for their people. Today, despite limited funding, tribes are working to rebuild a strong foundation and achieve sustainability. These resilient people are on a journey of rediscovery and healing.

Melissa is asking for anyone and everyone to join her in solidarity and for the donations and proceeds to go to Native Hope. 

Apparel

Wenatchi Wear  an Indigenous owned apparel business has been so gracious to partner with Skate for MMIWG2ST. You can purchase a shirt and part of the proceeds will go to Native Hope.  Please visit the apparel section to learn more about Wenatchi Wear. THE GARMENTS are limited! Available for preorder through end of May 2022. Wenatchi Wear will process orders weekly, every Friday through the end of May they will begin printing orders for that previous week.

Thank you to all Partners and Sponsors!

A huge thank you goes out to StrongHearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv), Moxi Roller Skates (@moxirollerskates), Antik Skates (@antikskates) and Wenatchi Wear (@wenatchiwear) 

Please tag @projectnativehope and @skeet_fighter on Instagram or use the hashtags: #skateforMMIWG2ST  #projectnativehope #wenatchiwear  #moxirollerskates #antikskates and #strongheartsdv to show your support.