Nearly 300 people gathered at Golden Heart Plaza in Fairbanks on May 5 for the annual Gathering of Remembrance. Families, Tribal organizations, community leaders, and community members came together to honor victims of unsolved homicides and remember missing Indigenous loved ones. Held on National MMIP Awareness Day, this year’s gathering was the largest yet.
Reverend Shirley Lee reflected on the meaning of the gathering after more than 30 years of advocacy and remembrance.
“Each year, it gets harder and harder for me to say the names,” Lee shared. “Names of loved ones taken by violence, names of loved ones who have disappeared, their life ending, unknown. The list is long. One name is too long.”
Leaders from Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) and partner organizations were invited to speak during the event. Chief Sharon Hildebrand reflected on the importance of remembering every person and family affected by the crisis.
“Each name matters. Each story matters. These are not just cases—they are our people. Our daughters. Our sons. Our mothers. Our fathers. Our siblings. Our relatives.”
Local elected officials and law enforcement representatives also shared remarks. Fairbanks Mayor Mindy O’Neall spoke about the disproportionate impact the crisis has on Alaska Native communities.
“Indigenous people make up 20% of Alaska’s population, yet they are represented far more in the numbers of missing persons and homicide cases. These numbers reflect real families in our community, families who deserve answers, support, and a system that work for them.”
Na’ni’eezh Peter of Arctic Village performed two original songs in Dinjii Zhuh K’yàa, the Gwich’in language, dedicating them to families searching for loved ones.
“This is such an emotional event,” Peter shared, “because we’re gathered for the people who we’ve lost and who we’re looking for. And my heart goes out to each and every one of you, to all of our community who is missing someone who shouldn’t be missing.”
The gathering concluded with attendees casting carnations into the Chena River from the William Ransom Wood Centennial Bridge as a symbol of remembrance for loved ones who have been lost.
At TCC, we recognize that the MMIP crisis continues to impact many of our families and communities in deeply personal ways. Gatherings like this are important because they remind families that their loved ones are not forgotten and that our communities continue to stand beside them.
We are grateful to support this event alongside our partners at Fairbanks Native Association, Denakkanaaga, Doyon, Limited, and Interior Regional Housing Authority. We also extend our appreciation to local elected officials and law enforcement representatives who joined the gathering in support.
To all families and loved ones impacted by this crisis, we continue to hold you in our hearts.
