Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force hosted the Every Child Matters Awareness Walk July 20 to honor Native American children who have gone missing, lost their lives, or have been impacted by violence and trauma.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council and the MMDR Task Force continue to strengthen laws, expand public awareness, and support initiatives that protect children and families across the Navajo Nation while working to prevent future tragedies through education, training, and community partnerships.
“Every child deserves safety, love, and protection,” MMDR Task Force Chairwoman Amber Kanazbah Crotty said. “The Every Child Matters Awareness Walk honors lost children, supports grieving families, and reaffirms that they are not alone. The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force is dedicated to prevention, improving resources and training, and advocating for policies that protect children. We strive to ensure every Navajo child is valued and can thrive in a safe community.”
The awareness walk brought together families, advocates, community members, and Navajo Nation leaders to honor the lives of children, raise awareness, and provide a space for healing as participants walked together to the Navajo Nation Council Chamber.
Anthony Begay, program manager for the Navajo Treatment Center for Children & Families, highlighted the program’s work to connect Navajo children with counseling, mental health services, and trauma-informed care. The program serves children ages four to 17 through individualized treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches that support healing and recovery from trauma and abuse.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley joined participants in the walk and encouraged families and community members to continue supporting efforts to protect Navajo children, emphasizing that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and caring environment.
“The reason we’re wearing red today is to raise awareness that every child matters and to celebrate all our children,” Curley said. “It’s a good blessing to welcome all our trail riders. The moisture and being surrounded by horses here in front of the council chambers mean a lot. That is a strength of our people.”
The MMDR Task Force continues to provide prevention education, training, and public awareness across the Navajo Nation to help communities respond when a loved one or child goes missing and to strengthen efforts that safeguard children and families.
