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- By Native News Online Staff
The Navajo Nation Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force continues to support families of missing people by connecting relatives with resources that improve access to case information and strengthen coordination with law enforcement and victim advocates.
During a regular meeting Tuesday, task force members provided updates to families and supporters, answered questions and helped reconnect relatives with appropriate contacts for more detailed information about their cases.
“The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force exists to serve families first,” said Navajo Nation Council Delegate and task force Chair Amber Kanazbah Crotty. “Our commitment is to meet relatives where they are, help them navigate complex systems, and ensure they receive the resources, communication, and healing support they deserve. Families should never feel alone while searching for their loved ones, and we will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and culturally grounded care.”
Families raised concerns about delays in communication, limited case updates and challenges related to issuing alerts for missing elders and children. Task force members helped connect families with victim advocates and personnel from the Division of Public Safety, along with state and federal partners, to obtain accurate information and ongoing support.
The task force also addressed systemic challenges affecting missing persons investigations across the Navajo Nation, including severe staffing shortages in public safety that limit investigative capacity across vast geographic areas. Members reaffirmed their commitment to improving communication with families and advocates.
Efforts are underway to strengthen alert systems, including renewing the Navajo Nation Amber Alert system contract. Funding has been secured and finalization is in progress. Once fully operational, the system will allow for more targeted and effective alerts to better support missing persons cases.
January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the task force plans to raise awareness and promote education focused on prevention, response and healing. Task force members noted that trafficking disproportionately affects Native women, girls, young men, boys and LGBTQ2S+ relatives, underscoring the need for coordinated, culturally responsive approaches rooted in community values and accountability.
The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force will host a human trafficking awareness training session Jan. 30 at Navajo Technical University’s Crownpoint campus. The training will be provided by the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women in collaboration with the task force.
The session will focus on human trafficking awareness, identifying resources for healing and recovery, and strengthening community-based prevention efforts.
The task force said it will continue to honor missing relatives, support families in their search for answers, and work to build safer communities grounded in care, accountability and cultural strength.
Registration form for the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on January 30th:
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