One should not be upset/angry about Gabby Petito getting media attention.

[wnylib]

96. I would probably not be aware of

the problem in Native communities if I did not have Native relatives. It is well documented by Native people, but given very little notice or coverage outside of those communities.

One problem is racism that refuses to acknowledge Native people as human beings with rights, and views toward Native women as "fair game."

Another problem is the result of decades of abusive boarding schools for Native children. Destroy family unity and whole cultures while raising their children in abusive atmospheres from age 5 to 16 and you get high incidences among survivors of alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, and abuse. This fuels the attitude that "They are not like us. They are sub human." Never mind that the problem was created by abusing generations of their children.

A third problem is that each tribal nation has its own treaties and agreements with the federal government (and sometimes with state governments) regarding self government and jurisdictions over crimes. Most of the time murders are handled by the FBI, but local tribal police might assist with investigations depending on the relationship between the tribe and the feds. Tribal governments vary in effectiveness.

It is a complex situation that needs to be addressed. But even asking for help in addressing it has its problems because it can mean that people unfamiliar with the cultures and needs make changes and suggestions that don't take those factors into account.