MMIR in Alaska and Data Sovereignty

The June session of Hot Topics in Practice will examine the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives in Alaska and highlight the importance of data sovereignty as a pathway toward justice and healing. Presenter Charlene Aqik Apok, PhD, MA, will discuss how Indigenous communities are using data systems to document harm, advocate for policy change, and assert their right to self-determination. By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be better able to recognize the scope and complexity of the MMIR crisis, understand the role of data in shaping narratives and interventions, and increase their knowledge of data sovereignty as a tool for public health and community empowerment.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the scope and contributing factors of the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) in Alaska.
• Explain the role and impact of data systems in addressing MMIR.
• Identify key principles of data sovereignty and how they support Indigenous-led public health efforts.

Intended Audiences

• Local, state, and tribal public health practitioners

• Community organizers, social workers, public safety and tribal justice professionals

Presenters

Charlene Aqpik Apok, PhD, MA

Executive Director, Data for Indigenous Justice

Discussion Questions

• How can public health practitioners support Indigenous-led efforts to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives without reinforcing harmful systems or narratives?
• In what ways can data systems be reimagined to center Indigenous sovereignty, safety, and self-determination?
• How can organizations and institutions build trust with Indigenous communities when it comes to collecting, sharing, and using data?
• What are some of the barriers to meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in public health data and decision-making processes—and how can these barriers be dismantled?

Resources

• Slides will be uploaded day of webinar
• https://static1.squarespace.com/static/650a3ad1f4ccde7d793b6f02/t/65a85dab2441ae379b833205/1705532855762/Web-DIJReport.pdf
• https://www.dataforindigenousjustice.org/resources-1
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cl4UX1zWKENGZh28fmBI4_9At_ZwXnCE/view?usp=drive_link

Continuing Education Credits

Up to 1 CPH recertification credit may be earned by viewing this webinar. Visit the National Board of Public Health Examiners to learn more.