4. Jurisdictional Gaps on Tribal Lands
Legal complexities on tribal lands often obstruct justice for missing Native women. Overlapping jurisdictions between tribal, federal, and state authorities create confusion about who has the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes. These gaps can lead to delayed responses and cases falling through the cracks, leaving families without answers. The U.S. Department of Justice has acknowledged that these jurisdictional issues are a major barrier to ensuring safety and justice for Indigenous women.
