MMIP on the Capitol Floor: Rep. Ron Stewart’s Fight for Indigenous Families

On May 15, 2025—MMIP Awareness Day—Representative Ron Stewart’s House Bill 1137 passed both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill would fund a dedicated Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, removing barriers created by federal‑funding requirements and providing stable state resources for tribal families seeking answers. When the governor issued an unexpected veto, Stewart mobilized colleagues, tribal leaders, and advocates to call for an override vote, emphasizing that accountability and justice cannot wait. At a press conference at the State Capitol, Indigenous community members shared personal stories of loss and hope, underscoring the urgency of the liaison office. Stewart noted, “Our shared history demands action, not indifference. Families deserve answers—and this office will be their beacon of hope.”