Tattoos for
Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women's Awareness
Our Commitment to MMIW
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) crisis is an ongoing human rights issue affecting Indigenous communities across North America. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people experience disproportionately high rates of violence, disappearances, and homicide, yet too many cases receive little public attention and too many families are left searching for answers.
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At Heartbreaker Tattoo, we believe awareness can save lives. Every MMIW handprint tattoo we create represents more than a design—it represents a promise that these individuals will not be forgotten. We donate our time to tattoo these symbols because we believe every conversation, every shared story, and every visible act of solidarity helps keep this issue in the public eye.
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This is not simply a free tattoo. It is a symbol of remembrance, respect, and a commitment to stand alongside Indigenous families and communities calling for justice. We ask everyone who chooses to wear this tattoo to understand its meaning and to become an advocate for the voices it represents.
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Together, we hope to honor those who have been taken, support the families who continue to search, and help build a future where there are no more stolen sisters and no more stolen relatives.
Why the Red Hand?
The red hand has become one of the most recognized symbols of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) movement. It represents the voices that have been silenced and the countless Indigenous people who have been taken from their families and communities. Many also interpret the red hand as symbolizing the lack of media attention these cases have historically received—a reminder that too many stories have gone unseen and unheard.
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The version of this design used at Heartbreaker Tattoo was originally created by Indigenous artist Sarah Whalen-Lunn for Native Movement. We are honored to use this artwork with full credit to its creator and encourage everyone to support both Sarah's work and the important advocacy of Native Movement. See how you can show your support below.
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By wearing this symbol, individuals stand in remembrance of those who are missing, honor those whose lives were stolen, and help bring greater awareness to a crisis that continues today.
How You Can Help
Looking for ways to support? Everyone's help matters, and we all have the power to bring awareness.
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✓ Learn about the MMIWG2S+ movement.
✓ Share missing persons cases responsibly.
✓ Support Ingenious-led organizations through donations or volunteering
✓ Amplify Indigenous voices and stories
✓ Wear your MMIW handprint with understanding and be prepared to share what it represents.
Support the Movement
Getting a tattoo is one way to show your support, but lasting change requires continued action. We encourage you to explore the organizations below, learn about their missions, and support their work however you can. Together, we can help raise awareness, support affected families, and work toward a future with no more stolen sisters and no more stolen relatives. These are only some of the resources available out there. If you know of an organization we should mention here, please let us know!
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Native Movement Alaska
https://www.nativemovement.org/
This is the organization Sarah Whalen-Lunn originally created the red handprint artwork for. Native Movement is dedicated to building people power, rooted in an Indigenized worldview, toward healthy, sustainable, & just communities for ALL. They support grassroots-led projects that align with our vision, that endeavor to ensure social justice, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and the rights of Mother Earth.
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National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC)
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a Native-led nonprofit organization committed to ending violence against Native women, children, and communities. They provide national leadership in addressing violence within Tribal communities by amplifying the voices of grassroots advocates and offering resources, technical assistance, training, and policy development. Their work strengthens Tribal sovereignty, creating lasting change to protect Native women and their families.
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Not Our Native Daughters
https://notournativedaughters.org/
Not Our Native Daughters (NOND) is a Native-led, survivor-led organization dedicated to addressing the Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis. Their mission is to empower Indigenous communities by advocating for justice, raising awareness, and providing support to families affected by violence. They work alongside Native youth through initiatives like our Indigenous Youth Voices program, fostering leadership, education, and cultural preservation. In addition to their advocacy efforts, they provide technical assistance training and presentations on a broad range of Indigenous issues, from MMIP to human trafficking, environmental justice, and more. Through policy reform, community engagement, and healing practices, we are committed to creating a future where Indigenous women and youth are safe, supported, and empowered to lead the fight for justice, equity, and healing.
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Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI)
Decolonizing data, for Indigenous people, by Indigenous people. They recognize research, data, and evaluation as Indigenous values, and by doing so, they are able to produce the best and most accurate data to strengthen the health of Native people.
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Snowbird Fund
https://mtcf.org/giving/our-funds/snowbird-fund
The Snowbird Fund directly supports community searches for missing Indigenous people in Montana.
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Blackfeet MMIP Outreach
https://www.blackfeetmmip.org/
Their organization's efforts are centered on advocating for justice, supporting families, and raising awareness to ensure missing and murdered Indigenous people are not forgotten.
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Murdered, Missing Indigenous People - MMIP is dedicated to providing essential support, advocacy, and counseling services for missing and murdered Indigenous individuals and their families. Their mission is to raise awareness, educate the public, and work towards sustainable solutions that address the crisis faced by Indigenous communities. Through our initiatives, they strive to empower families, honor the memory of the missing and murdered, and create a brighter, safer future for Indigenous peoples.
They believe in the power of community, support, and cultural preservation to bring about positive change. By standing together, advocating for justice and equality, and honoring the voices of those we have lost, we strive to create a world where every Indigenous person is valued, protected, and free from violence.