CHEYENNE, Wyo.– Governor Mark Gordon announced today he has appointed members to a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force. The Governor was inspired to create the Task Force after attending an event at the University of Wyoming organized by the Native student group, Keepers of the Fire, which sought to shine a light on the high rates of murder or missing Native American women and girls.
“I’m eager for us to tackle this issue, as I believe it is imperative to ensure the public safety of all Wyoming citizens,” Governor Gordon stated. “The Wind River Reservation operates under a separate criminal justice jurisdictional scheme – but Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribal members are also citizens of Wyoming. I am committed to working with our federal and tribal partners to ensure the safety of our Native American communities.”