Emergency Spotlight:
Funds are being raised to support the family of 2-year-old Kano Aguerro, whose life was tragically taken.
Any contribution is deeply appreciated during this difficult time.
Emergency Spotlight:
Funds are being raised to support the family of 2-year-old Kano Aguerro, whose life was tragically taken.
Any contribution is deeply appreciated during this difficult time.
On May 3, Jamul Indian Village (a Kumeyaay Nation), Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians came together to honor the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and foster lasting change through awareness, training and countywide law enforcement collaboration. This year’s inaugural Summit highlighted the resilience of tribal communities and the vital role that cultural traditions play in the journey toward healing and justice.
Throughout the summit, community members engaged in powerful discussions, shared knowledge and strengthened partnerships. The goal was to empower attendees with the necessary tools and resources to make meaningful impact in the ongoing fight for justice while supporting all who have been impacted by MMIP.
Three breakout sessions centered on critical areas of focus:
Awareness in Action: Combating Human Trafficking
Keelin Washington, a victim of human trafficking, was the featured speaker. She related her experience as a warning and lesson to others. Another aspect of the session was a ‘hands on’ demonstration of the MMIPSD AR/VR training program, a proven way to impart essential information with high retention.
Partners in Justice: How to Take Action with Law Enforcement
A panel that included local and Tribal law enforcement agencies provided a perspective on the MMIP problem and ways in which individuals can directly engage to get help and learn more. Interaction with Tribal members helped advance the conversation and develop mutual trust and understanding.
Empowered by Tradition: Navigating Community Resources for Healing
An important part of fighting MMIP is confronting the emotional trauma it inflicts. Awareness of available resources throughout the county is an essential step in creating a vibrant support network that can provide both immediate value and ongoing growth.
The striking Summit logo was created by Rayleene Elliott from Manzanita. Evoking the Southern California tribal community and the MMIP crisis, it features two gourds to represent bird singers and dancers of the Kumeyaay and surrounding tribes. One gourd features a red handprint for the MMIP crisis. The other is a red bear paw to honor Elijah “Bear” Diaz from Barona, missing since 2015. A teddy bear represents the life of Teddy Pablo, a relative of Carlene’s from Campo, murdered in 2014.On the teddy bear, a hat bearing the letter ‘O’ represents Forrest Bourne of Santa Ysabel, missing since 2020.
The rose honors Leah Rose Meza of Jamul, whose tragic murder in 2015 deeply impacted the community. The individual pieces are tied together with a beaded necklace featuring acorns to represent the resilience of native people.
Rayleene and everyone engaged in MMIP San Diego hope Summit 2025, and more events like it, will raise awareness of this crisis and impart lessons of how it can be addressed throughout the county and across the nation.
