Savanna's Act

Definition

Savanna's Act is a U.S. federal law enacted in 2019 aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against Native Americans, particularly focusing on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The act addresses systemic gaps in law enforcement and coordination among federal, state, and tribal authorities to enhance responses to these crimes and support victims' families.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Savanna's Act was named in memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a Native American woman who was murdered in 2017, highlighting the urgency of addressing violence against Indigenous women.
2. The act requires the U.S. Attorney General to develop guidelines for responding to cases of missing or murdered Native Americans, ensuring standardized procedures across jurisdictions.
3. One major aspect of Savanna's Act is its emphasis on better data collection regarding incidents of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals, which has historically been lacking.
4. The law seeks to promote collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to create a more unified response to these crimes.
5. Savanna's Act reflects broader movements advocating for Indigenous rights and justice, aligning with efforts like the #MMIW campaign to raise awareness and enact change.

Review Questions

• How does Savanna's Act address the specific challenges faced by Native American communities regarding violent crimes?
  • Savanna's Act targets the unique challenges faced by Native American communities by improving coordination among federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies. It establishes guidelines for investigations into missing and murdered Indigenous individuals, which have been inadequately addressed due to jurisdictional complexities. The act also emphasizes data collection on these cases, which helps in understanding the extent of the problem and developing more effective responses.
• Discuss the implications of Savanna's Act on existing laws and frameworks that deal with crimes against Indigenous populations.
  • Savanna's Act builds upon previous legislative efforts like the Tribal Law and Order Act by further enhancing the legal framework for protecting Indigenous populations. It creates an essential link between existing laws by mandating better cooperation between different levels of law enforcement while also focusing on training and resources specifically for these cases. This integration allows for a more comprehensive approach to tackling issues related to violence against Native Americans.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of Savanna's Act on Native American communities and their pursuit of justice.
  • The long-term effects of Savanna's Act could be significant for Native American communities as it aims to create a more effective response system for violent crimes, potentially leading to increased accountability and justice for victims. By addressing systemic gaps in law enforcement coordination and data collection, the act may enhance community trust in legal systems and encourage more victims to come forward. Additionally, it could inspire further legislative initiatives focused on Indigenous rights, driving broader social change.

Related terms

Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act: A comprehensive crime control legislation passed in 1994 that provided funding for various law enforcement programs, including those aimed at combating violence against women.

Tribal Law and Order Act: A law passed in 2010 that aimed to increase the ability of tribal authorities to combat crime on reservations and improve justice systems for Native Americans.

MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women): A movement that raises awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by Indigenous women in North America, highlighting the need for improved legal protections and support.