Alaskans statewide turned out in their communities to recognize the epidemic of violence against Indigenous people on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s Day on Monday, May 5.
In Kodiak, a variety of wellness and cultural events were offered over the last week leading up to the national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
For the culmination of events, roughly a dozen Kodiak residents from children to Elders gathered at the shore of the Near Island channel at Oscar’s Spit Monday evening for a vigil and wreath ceremony. Danielle Butts, the family services’ coordinator for Kodiak Area Native Association, or KANA, said MMIP events like these typically haven't been held in Kodiak.
After a few members of the Alutiiq Dance group sang songs and shared general remarks, participants took individual roses and placed them in the water, representing those from around the state who are still missing. Alaska has one of the highest rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the country.
Some missing Kodiak Archipelago residents, like Robin Squartsoff, were lost decades ago in boating accidents and are presumed to have drowned but were never found. That’s according to information provided in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, an online database.
Then there is Brandon Tyler Phillips of Akhiok who went missing when he was 20-years-old. The NamUs online database says Phillips was last seen on Oct. 26 of 2013 when he left Akhiok on an ATV heading towards Buck Cove Mountain. His 4-wheeler was found parked on a trail between town and the entrance of “Little Narrows”, but searchers were unsuccessful in finding him.
The Kodiak Area Native Association’s Tribal Victim Services team supports local families on the island who have experienced loss or injustice. TVS can help family members connect to resources or law enforcement if needed – just call 907 486 7305.
