Outgoing Attorney General Mark Vargo is announcing the formation of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Advisory Council.
That group is comprised of advocates, prosecutors and law enforcement from BIA, tribal and state agencies. State lawmakers will also sit on the council.
"The MMIP initiative within the Attorney General's Office is extremely important for the state," said Vargo. "When the legislature established the MMIP position, it left it up to the Attorney General to fill in the details. That task will be done best with input from all appropriate corners."
Indigenous people make up a disproportionate number of missing person cases—about 60 percent in South Dakota alone. Many of those cases can get lost between jurisdictions
The council will advise incoming Attorney General Marty Jackley on goals and parameters for the newly formed position.
“The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Office, with the guidance of this Advisory Council, will do important work in this state,” said Jackley. “This is an opportunity to help those looking for answers to the fate of their family members and loved ones.”
Late last year Attorney General Vargo announced Allison Morrisette as the first MMIP coordinator.
Vargo will co-chair the council alongside former Oglala Sioux Tribe Attorney General Tatewin Means.
Means said issues surrounding missing and murdered indigenous women demand attention
"I look forward to working with MMIP Coordinator Allison Morrisette, the Council and the Attorney General in making the MMIP Coordinator efforts successful," Means added.
The council is set to hold its first meeting on Feb. 14. In June, it will deliver a report the attorney general listing goals and objectives for the coordinator position.
The group will meet at least once a year going forward.
