A young woman in Oregon is at risk of becoming another missing person in a long-standing problem that plagues Indigenous communities. Her mother disappeared near the Oregon border, followed by her babysitter. Now, law enforcement officials are concerned that she may be next.
According to reports, the issue stems from decades-long problems within Indigenous communities that can be traced back to white settler colonialism and the forced assimilation of Native children in punitive boarding schools.
The broken foster care system has also contributed to this ongoing issue. Many Native children were forcibly removed from their families and placed into foster care or adoption programs, which ultimately led to disconnection from their culture and community.
Law enforcement officials fear that if this young woman disappears, she will become another statistic among countless others who have gone missing over the years. The situation highlights the need for greater support for Indigenous communities and efforts to address systemic issues facing these populations.
Quoting an unnamed lawman: "It's a sad reality we face every day... It's heartbreaking knowing there are so many people out there who have been forgotten."
This story serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous communities across North America and underscores the need for continued action towards justice and equity for all marginalized groups.