No More Stolen Sisters

Instead of the swatches of blue and gold that are known to sweep the stands of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, the stands on Thursday, Feb. 27 were garbed in red. In collaboration with the Bobcat Singers, the MSU Bobcat Athletics program coordinated the event, focused on raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The movement strives to inform and call attention to the abnormally high statistics of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

According to the Department of Justice in conjunction with the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “American Indians and Alaska Natives are two and a half times more likely to experience violent crimes and at least two times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault crimes in comparison to all other ethnicities."

Bethany Cordell, Associate Athletic Director for Marketing for MSU Bobcat Athletics, spoke in preparation of the event saying, “We have an obligation to use our platforms for good. I couldn’t be prouder to have worked with [Assistant Coach Kati Mobley] on this special night...”

During halftime, the Bobcat Singers and several Native dancers moved to the beat in tribute to their stolen sisters. The event made sure to represent every generation, with indigenous peoples ranging in age from under 10 years to over 70. Each outfit adorned by dancers reflects their family’s style.

More than a visual connection to the blood spilt in these tragedies, various tribes see the color red as the only color spirits see. As explained by the Native Women's Wilderness foundation: “It is hoped that by wearing red, we can call back missing spirits of our women and children so that we can lay them to rest.”