Hey everyone, some of you might know me, and some might not. So, for those who don't, allow me to quickly introduce myself. I'm Jesse, a tribal member of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation. Every year for my birthday, I do something to challenge myself. Initially, these challenges stemmed purely from personal ambition. But over the past few years, I've come to realize the power of my voice and the role I can play in educating other on the systemic inequalities Indigenous communities face in order to spark meaningful change. While the challenges Natives face are a constant presence and clear to us, it's apparent that the true experiences and current struggles many Native Americans face remain largely unknown to many outside our communities.

One of the more pressing issues that remains underreported outside of our communities is the MMIW crisis, which stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This crisis refers to the disproportionately high number of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or have been murdered across North America (source, wiki, blog posts). More than 4 in 5 American Indigenous women (84.3 percent) have experienced violence in their lifetime (Rosay 2016 ), and more than half (56.1 percent) have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime (Rosay 2016 ). These statistics are a devastating reflection of the systemic violence, sexism, and racism that Indigenous communities have been subjected to for centuries. The MMIW crisis not only highlights the ongoing neglect and inadequate response from law enforcement and governmental bodies but also underlines the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding, and action to address these injustices. By bringing attention to MMIW, and supporting groups working to drive change in these spaces we can start to challenge the systemic barriers and discrimination that contribute to this crisis, and advocate for justice and safety for Indigenous women and girls.

On April 27, I will be embarking on a 100k as part of the UTMB Canyons Ultra Marathon but this run will be done in solidarity and to raise awareness for the families and communities affected by the MMIW crisis. This challenge symbolizes the long, enduring fight for justice and the resilience of my communities. Each step will represent a voice, a story, and a life that matters.

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in this journey. Here's how you can help:

Our Goal

My fundraising goal is $5,000 which I would love to beat but like any amount is welcome. After the race I will then be distributing these funds to The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women which are both fighting for the safety and sovereignty of Native women.

This 100k run is more than just a physical challenge; it's a call to action. Together, we can shine a light on the MMIW crisis, support affected families, and contribute to a brighter future. Join me in this cause. Your support can change lives.