The Every Child Matters Awareness Walk, led by the Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force, brought together families, advocates and Navajo leaders to honor missing and deceased Native children and promote prevention and support services. Marchers walked to the Navajo Nation Council Chamber to show solidarity and raise awareness. Leaders highlighted law-strengthening, outreach efforts and trauma-informed services for youth ages 4–17 provided by the Navajo Treatment Center for Children & Families.
Every Child Matters Walk Unites Navajo Nation to Honor Lost Children and Strengthen Prevention
Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force hosted the Every Child Matters Awareness Walk to honor Native American children who have gone missing, lost their lives, or have been impacted by violence and trauma. (Photo/Navajo Nation)
Families, advocates, Navajo Nation leaders and community members gathered Monday for the Every Child Matters Awareness Walk, organized by the Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives (MMDR) Task Force to honor Native children who have gone missing, died, or been affected by violence and trauma.
Solidarity and a Call to Action
The procession concluded at the Navajo Nation Council Chamber, underscoring the Nation’s renewed commitment to child safety through prevention, education and community partnerships. Participants walked in solidarity with grieving families and to raise public awareness about safeguarding Native children and preventing future tragedies.
Policy and Community Efforts
The 25th Navajo Nation Council and the MMDR Task Force are working together to strengthen laws, broaden public outreach and support community initiatives that protect children and families across the Navajo Nation.
"Every child deserves safety, love, and protection. The Every Child Matters Awareness Walk honors lost children, supports grieving families, and reaffirms that they are not alone," said MMDR Task Force Chairwoman Amber Kanazbah Crotty. "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."
Resources For Children And Families
The event highlighted services available to children and families. Anthony Begay, program manager at the Navajo Treatment Center for Children & Families, detailed the center’s work connecting Navajo youth to counseling, mental health services and trauma-informed care. The center serves children ages 4 to 17 through individualized treatment plans that include cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help youth recover from trauma and abuse.
Cultural Support And Community Strength
Speaker Crystalyne Curley joined the walk and encouraged families and communities to continue supporting efforts that ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing environments. "The reason we're wearing red today is to raise awareness that every child matters and to celebrate all our children," Curley said. She also spoke about the blessing of trail riders and the cultural significance of horses and the moisture present at the council chambers—symbols of resilience and community strength.
The MMDR Task Force continues to provide prevention education, training and public awareness across the Navajo Nation, equipping communities with resources to respond when a child or loved one goes missing and reinforcing long-term efforts to protect children and families.
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