CSUN Dedicates Altar That Honors Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women

NORTHRIDGE, CA -- In honor of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) which was May 5, Cal State Northridge's Pride Center temporarily installed an altar in the Sol Center lobby to bring awareness about women whose stories are in need of resolution.

Picture frames showing Indigenous women lined the alter that was adorned with roses, candles, red handprints and information sheets containing facts and statistics about the underreported category of missing women.

Sonny Keeley and Amelia Zapata, student assistants for the Pride Center, organized the exhibit.

Although the event was established to honor MMIW, Keeley and Zapata have said that the long-term goal for is to host events that celebrate Indigenous people and the culture, which for Zapata, means incorporating drum circles and holding more spaces for two-spirited individuals.

As a senior, Keeley hopes to pass down their knowledge to other Pride Center staff to continue honoring American Indians and Indigenous people.