The #MMIWarriors Movement and Self-Defense Classes are part of a Call-to-Action for all people impacted by or working to reverse the targeting of Indigenous Women and Girls across the United States and Canada. The Call-to-Action is a fun yet serious challenge that aims to bring attention to the disproportionate level of violence we experience every day as Indigenous People. We envision all Native Women and Girls to be trained in self-defense. If we are all trained to defend ourselves, we are less likely to be abducted, and predators will start to realize we are no longer easy targets. Our Brothers can show support and solidarity too!
The Simple 4-Part LuLu/War Whoop Challenge:
1) Team up with a friend and attend a local self-defense class. (Most cities or towns have preexisting classes available. Phoenix, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Seattle, Missoula etc.) If none exist, organize one!
2) Go live or record a video of you giving your best LuLu or War Whoop. *(10 seconds or less)
3) Share your video on social media! In the caption write who your video honors and challenge all your friends! Your friends have 48 hours to post their videos and challenge more friends. Make sure to hashtag #MMIWarriors!
4) Attend another class or find a new location lulu/war whoop and challenge more friends!
If you don’t have access to a class or are waiting for one to be organized, you can still show solidarity! Record your video anywhere – outdoors, downtown, or where she was last seen or found. *LuLu/War Whoops can be substituted with any act of public praise/holler that’s traditional for you!
Example Video Caption:
“I __(your name)_____would like to remember and honor ___(native sister)_____with a lulu/war whoop to bring attention to the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I also promise to protect a sister if I see she is in need. I challenge ___(all my friends!)__ to do the same” #MMIWarriors #MMIW #NoMoreStolenSisters
About this movement:
Souta Calling Last (Blood/Blackfeet), is the Executive Director of Indigenous Vision, an educational nonprofit based in Phoenix, AZ. She recently began organizing self-defense classes as a solution to #MMIW for native high school girls across Arizona and Montana. She acknowledges that you can’t fight violence with violence, but when met with violence, it is important to know how to defend yourself. This invaluable lifesaving tool gives us a better chance to escape if we find ourselves in a dangerous situation. For more information, Souta can be reached at soutacl@indigenousvision.org or #(480) 387-4747
Learn more about the #MMIWarriors Movement, click here
