Sioux City, Iowa — Indigenous Siouxlanders who have been murdered or are missing will now have an official symbol of support. It will be a billboard in memory of Lori Ann DeCora, also known as Wanga Ja Hu Winga.
In late June, there was a silent auction called “Voices for Lori: A Justice & Awareness Campaign.” Lori DeCora, an Indigenous woman, was murdered in 1992, and her case has yet to be solved. The auction raised funds to bring attention to the case and highlight other cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
“She lived in Siouxland her entire life. We hope to raise awareness that it was an injustice, and not just for my mother. Kayla Buffalo Chief-Sirom, DeCora’s daughter, explained that there are other cases of missing and murdered indigenous people in the Siouxland area.
As a result of the fundraising efforts, supporters of the cause have unveiled a billboard honoring DeCora and other local Indigenous women facing similar challenges.
“You know, the MMIW, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, when there is a death or a tragedy, I feel like we don’t get the support from the media or from the community that we should, and these cases often go unsolved,” said Chief Sirom of Buffalo.
If you want to see it for yourself, the billboard is on Gordon Drive.
