The House Coalition has called for an apology from Rep. Sarah Vance following her comments about missing and murdered indigenous people during a House Tribal Affairs meeting. Rep. Maxine Dibert, the only Alaska Native woman in the legislature, voiced her concern about the high rates of violence against indigenous women in Alaska and other states. She stressed that these women are not just statistics, but Alaskans who need protection.
During a discussion on legislation led by Rep. CJ McCormick, aimed at reducing violence against Alaska Native women, Rep. Vance made her remarks. Many Alaskans had traveled statewide to support the MMIWG2S legislation when Rep. Vance made her comments.
Rep. Ashley Carrick highlighted the violence and disparities indigenous Alaskans face. She noted that the causes, responses, and justice for this violence differ from those for other victims. She emphasized the need for more work towards equality.
Carrick also condemned Rep. Vance’s comments, calling them disrespectful to the indigenous women who testified before the Tribal Affairs Committee. She joined the demand for Rep. Vance to apologize.