I just recently started supporting the Grove this year with my parents, who introduced me to the cause. My favorite parts about helping at the stand are introducing people to the movement and spreading awareness, as well as being with Lora and Jon who I love very much. Having conversations with the people who come to the tent are really insightful, in seeing how people react and process something so important. I like learning from my Elders about how to be informative on the subject and take action, they’re good teachers. I feel lucky to have been included by them to help the women and children who got murdered or went missing, because they deserve justice. Some haven’t even been found yet, and all of them deserve that help. Since I’m younger I hope to carry this work on for years, as much as I can to keep it going in our community.
I have seen this Grove at many Native American events,and to me it's very important to our Native Community. I believe it raises awareness to the never talked about MMIWGP. I got involved with the Grove about 8 yrs ago and help out whenever I can bc these women who their lives were taken too soon need a voice,so we are the voice of those women now. It also gives a way for monies to be donated for resources to help these women or their families,to be able to continue to deal with the loss of a loved one or a Sister who is found and brought back to their families,and to get counseling and medical help if needed. This Grove is a crucial part of our community the work Jon and Lara Bennet does is amazing and warms my heart! Mitakuye Oyasin.
"We are deeply grateful to Lorna Delmage Bennett,founder of MMIWP Memorial Grove,for her compassionate donations in memory of our beloved sister Rosenda Strong,a shining MMIWP angel. Lorna's kindness helps keep Rosenda's memory visible and continues to raise Awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis (MMIWG). Through her unwavering support, we honor Rosenda's life, and strive for a future where Indigenous women and girls are safe,respected, and valued. Thank you, Lorna, for being a advocate of hope and solidarity in our journey towards JUSTICE and HEALING. Thank you for our hearts! Cissy Strong Umatilla,Yakama, and Advocate (MMIWP) (My sister Rosenda Voice) and we reside in Washington state on/near the Yakama Reservation and my family thanks you for all you do. Many prayers to all who have to endure this heartbreaking epidemic of MMIWP
The ability to address one of the most profoundly tragic realities this world has to offer with such integrity, passion and dedication is not something you regularly encounter. As a life long activist I can genuinely say everyone involved in this movement is of a higher caliber than many. This is not a fight for the feint of heart, and the efforts put forth by all these fine people has been nothing short of extraordinary. No justice, no peace.
This organization is raising awareness of one of the heaviest and toughest issues facing indigenous peoples on Turtle Island ( North America) today. They handle this heavy burden with grace and compassion for the families they represent.
MMIW is one of the most unreported and often overlooked criminal activity in the USA and Canada.