---

PALM SPRINGS (Sept. 14, 2023) – The Board of State and Community Corrections awarded $2.4 million in Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grants to three federally recognized tribal nations to help address safety issues plaguing some members, especially women.

The MMIP grant recognizes the urgent need to address the alarming rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people -- including through human trafficking -- and for related efforts to make communities safer. The grant represents a State commitment to fostering safety, justice, and empowerment for Indigenous communities across California.

MMIP grant funds are designed to support a range of self-determined projects aimed at raising awareness, improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, and providing culturally appropriate support services to affected families. These initiatives are designed to fund work by tribes that might reduce the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people, who suffer rates of violence higher than the national average.

The BSCC plans to release a second similar request for tribal grant proposals in November with approximately $20 million more available in this significant source of flexible funding. The BSCC is asking tribal members across the state and their allies to help spread the word about the next round of available funding.

The programs that were funded in this round address culturally appropriate responses for the prevention of human trafficking, as well as mentoring to increase understanding of individual risk factors. Read a summary of the programs that will be funded with Board approval.

For more information about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Grant, please contact Field Representative Eddie Escobar at eddie.escobar@bscc.ca.gov or visit www.bscc.ca.gov

About the BSCC: The Board of State and Community Corrections is a state agency responsible for providing leadership, coordination, and technical assistance to promote effective and efficient public safety solutions across California and the tribal nations.