In the quiet quarters of the Willmar Public Library in Minnesota, a display curated by adult services librarian Maida Berg brings into focus a heart-breaking issue: the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIW/MMIR). As reported by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, this exhibit coincided with the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls on May 5.
Berg, who only became aware of the full extent of the MMIR crisis after encountering relevant literature, now harnesses the power of storytelling to raise awareness in her community. "It was startling to see how many of the victims were from the Midwest, especially Minnesota," Maida Berg shared with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Indeed, while Indigenous women and girls constitute a mere 1 percent of Minnesota's population, they accounted for an alarming 10 percent of the state's missing women last year.
This painstakingly arranged display featured both non-fiction and fiction books, with educational posters to augment the narrative. Its content was sourced with support from Birchbark Books, an Indigenous-owned bookstore. Contributing to the knowledge dissemination, Tawny Smith Savage, a violence prevention coordinator, emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention, stating, "By sharing knowledge and resources we can really foster critical thinking through the books we read and conversations we hold."
For those seeking to engage with and comprehend issues like the MMIR, Berg sees the library as a cornerstone. "If people want to learn, the library is a great place to start. We’re still one of the last truly free public spaces – and we’re here to help," she told the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
