By David Atteberry, TCC Public Safety Manager
Across Alaska, and especially in our Interior communities, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) continues to affect families, villages, and public safety systems in profound ways. While national awareness has grown in recent years, the reality is that many of our communities have been living with this issue for generations. For Tribal members across the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) region, MMIP is not an abstract topic. It is personal.
Interior Alaska presents unique challenges that can complicate both prevention and response. Our communities are often remote, accessible only by river or air, with limited law enforcement presence and vast areas to cover. When someone goes missing, environmental factors like extreme cold, river conditions, and wildlife can quickly turn a missing person case into a life-threatening emergency. Delays in reporting, communication barriers, and limited resources can further impact outcomes.
Currently, there are 49 individuals who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native missing within the TCC region. These cases date back to 1960, representing decades of unanswered questions and ongoing grief for families and communities. While some cases have grown cold over time, they are not forgotten. TCC Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs), Alaska State Troopers, the Department of Public Safety MMIP Unit, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit continue to actively review these cases and pursue new leads whenever they arise.
At the same time, strong community ties are one of our greatest strengths. In many villages, people know each other well, and community members are often the first to notice when something is wrong. Families, Tribal councils, and local responders frequently mobilize quickly, organizing searches and sharing information. These efforts are critical and often make a difference in the early hours of a case.
Public awareness and timely reporting remain essential. There is no waiting period to report someone missing. If you believe a person is missing or in danger, report it immediately. Early action can significantly improve the chances of a safe recovery. We encourage anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Even the smallest detail can help move a case forward or provide closure to families who have been waiting for answers for years. Tips can be reported to your local law enforcement officer or submitted through the AK Tips secure app or the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s online reporting system at https://dps.alaska.gov/tips/. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Data collection and reporting have historically been inconsistent, which has made it difficult to fully understand the scope of MMIP in Alaska. However, we know that Alaska Native people are disproportionately affected. Improving data accuracy, strengthening communication between agencies, and ensuring that cases are taken seriously from the outset are all important steps toward addressing this issue.
Recent efforts at the state and federal level have focused on increasing coordination, improving training, and supporting Tribal involvement in public safety. In Alaska, VPSOs, Tribal Police Officers (TPOs), and local advocates play a vital role. These individuals often serve as the bridge between communities and larger law enforcement systems, helping ensure that cases are properly documented and investigated while also supporting families through difficult and emotional situations.
MMIP is not just a law enforcement issue. It is a community issue. It requires awareness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting our people. By continuing to support one another, advocating for resources, and honoring those we have lost, we can work toward a safer future for all of our communities in Interior Alaska.