On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, UIHI Director Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) testified before Congress on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples—telling lawmakers that the shocking numbers they’re hearing aren’t shocking to Indian Country. They’re lived experience.

Echo-Hawk was joined by tribal and Indigenous leaders to lay out what’s actually needed: better data collection, accountability across jurisdictions, and sustained investment—not just attention when a case makes headlines.

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), a longtime advocate on Native issues, put it plainly: “We need more than talk—we need actions… I want to stop it from happening somehow.”

Watch the Full Testimony