A person from Huslia went missing in Fairbanks recently and narrowly escaped a kidnapping. When the police and TCC did not intervene, the community had to organize their own search party. Fortunately, she was found safe after being missing for two days.
Statistics show that 19% of the missing persons in Alaska are Alaska Native. Native people go missing more frequently due to violence, historical trauma, racism, and jurisdictional confusion. Furthermore, over 84% of Alaska Native women experience violence in their lifetime.
This issue is rooted in the history of land displacement. In cities like Fairbanks and Anchorage, racism and the presence of outsiders can lead to harm against those from the villages. The violence against Alaska Natives needs to change before something worse happens.
