This journal entry is included because it shows how I worked on narrowing down my research for the MMIW projects I learned that using reliable sources especially from Native American communities is important and cross checking information helps make sure it’s accurate.
This process helped me see how important it is to look at both current and historical issues while also mixing academic research with personal stories I had trouble finding detailed sources but by carefully picking the right ones I was able to move forward using Zotero made it much easier to keep my research organized and save time. Also no matter how much I will complain about Zotero it will help me in future projects by reminding me to use trustworthy sources and keep my research organized.
So having an understanding of the topic was a big help as it really narrowed down a lot of my focus as my topic is kind of broad to those who don’t know so being able to make sure it wasn’t too irrelevant and broad is something I am looking out for. As well as concentrating on more credible sources such as those written by native american communities as they have a more direct approach as it is about native americans, as well as taking in facts such as modern complications and historical contexts.
One of the biggest choices or challenges being made was trying to find a source that provided a lot of detail especially as my topic is widely known so it was a bit hard having to look up sources with what I needed for said topic. So in the end I overcame this with cross referencing a lot of the material I did have at the time and looking at how useful they were with and what needed to be said in some of it as well as completely looking into before fully committing to it.
So I would say that for me personal it has to do a lot with me as it relates to me a lot as I might have lost a cousin or a sister, aunty, mom, grandma as clanship goes a long way, as you might not be but some is and they basically relate back to you. But overall it definitely pushed me to explore it as well as see how far the historical factors went as well as looking for sources that not only covered my issue but highlighted indigenous voices and perspectives as well.
So in order for me to find something to search I used just a MMIW as it is basically what it says in short form and I even added Systematic violence to one of my searches and it was the most effective however it I need something a little more simpler so I used MMIW and Knowledge about it and I found one that's pretty good but this will help me find more specialized journals and reports that will align more with my topic.
So the awareness of the audience is crucial as it determines what kind of material I will be selecting as I will be writing it for a more academic audience as well as ensuring that my sources are highly credible for the broader audience. I might choose a source that is more accessible but still reliable in the same way. So including more perspectives from different frameworks to a more personal narrative. This would allow me to demonstrate the issue and it will then touch the emotional and logical appeals of my audience.
A lot of sources overlap in discussing the failure of legal systems in protecting indigenous women, or any indigenous for that matter as there will always be someone against you especially if you're native. But this will help me build a strong case for my systematic reform, across different texts and strengthen my argument. Many of the sources I had looked at were old and not really up to date on the MMIW cases as I wanted to address that by incorporating more recent reports and findings to make sure my argument was grounded in current realities instead of old ones. However I'm still deciding between 6 articles at the moment.
So using Zotero was new as it wasn’t like anything I’ve used before and I found it to be a bit intuitive, even with its quick grab at references from websites and databases. As well as it was smoother and easier to collect and organize sources as I researched. My work was centralized in one place, making a bibliography was much less of a headache. As well as not having to track down sources and worry about formatting as well. It just put my sources together and it saved for me as well and saved me a lot of time. I think I will try to keep using Zotero. It's rather interesting and it keeps me sane and it very valuable in simplifying my workload.
What I learned from reviewing this draft is how important it is to organize information clearly using headings and visuals to guide the reader I also learned how to point out specific areas for improvement like addressing grammar issues and strengthening the argument with more actionable suggestions In future projects I’ll make sure to structure my work better with clear sections and visuals and will focus on ensuring my main point stands out early I will also be mindful of refining my message so that it’s both engaging and easy to follow.
Memos:
To: Maia Harris
From: McKenzie Jimenez
10/24/24
Subject: Memo
The direction of your proposal draft is really good and it shows your passion for the benefits and struggles of high school theater programs. It shines through making it clear what the issues are and why they’re worth addressing. There are a few typos and minor grammar mistakes that could be polished up to improve readability, but overall the content flows well and keeps the reader engaged.
Although I would add headings and visuals could help structure the information which would grab the audience attention, more effectively breaking down sections with headers like “budget constraints” and “proposed UNM support program” could help navigate each part of the proposal as well as including visuals, such as images of past designs or graph showing funding gaps would also enhance the appeal and strengthen your argument for supporting high school theater programs.
The statement is clear and expresses that you view this as an issue, though some readers might not initially recognize the importance of theater funding, I think, placing the statement more prominently at the beginning, could ensure that your audience grasps the argument right away without searching through the text.
However, the draft effectively reaches the intended audience UNM students and community members with local examples and relatable challenges, but defining a more specific audience like a UNM department that could assist with funding or volunteer opportunities could make the proposal more actionable incorporating additional sources or references could also add weight to your points, especially if you could include a works cited section.
Another thing I would suggest is that the use of pathos is particularly strong. It brings the community to get together by highlighting the emotional and developmental value of theater for high school students for visual elements. You might consider images of a high school production on the educational benefits of theater as in parts you said that it helps them “stand up in front of audiences and helps them become comfortable with speaking as well as being taught that clear and precise and well organized oral communication communications are best.”
In summary, though the proposal is very well written and impactful, I think adding some organizational elements, visuals could add more clarity for the statement would make it more compelling.
For Project 2, I included an annotated bibliography of research sources as an artifact to showcase my process of gathering credible and relevant materials for the MMIW proposal this artifact highlights my ability to critically evaluate information and synthesize it in a way that directly supports the purpose of the project by gathering diverse sources I was able to ensure that the research was comprehensive and rooted in evidence which strengthened the overall proposal.
Creating this artifact also helped me develop skills in identifying bias within sources, making sure that my research was well-rounded and impartial it taught me the importance of using evidence to ground arguments which was crucial for crafting a proposal that is not only persuasive but also credible the insights I gained from this research shaped the tone and urgency of the final proposal providing a strong foundation for the arguments presented and ensuring that the crisis surrounding MMIW in New Mexico was properly addressed which will also be showin in the final project as well.
10.21.24
ENGL
Introduction, defining the problem:
The missing and murdered, indigenous woman MMIW crisis is a national epidemic affecting many indigenous communities across america. It refers to the violence, disappearances and murders of indigenous women, a reality that is rooted into historical and ongoing reality of native communities for universities like the university of New Mexico situated near indigenous territories. The crisis is especially pertinent, however, despite its proximity awareness of the issue remains low among the student body.
Importance:
The crisis is not just an indigenous issue. It is a human rights issue. This impacts the broader society with New Mexico having one of the highest rates of MMIW cases the UNM community must take a stand. The proposal aims to create an awareness campaign on campus, engaging the student body, and the UNM to collaborate And advocacy, education and support for MMIW initiatives.
Proposed solution:
The solution involves establishing a student lead affiliation that works with indigenous clubs on campus to host educational workshops, which will create campus wide awareness, campaigns and advocate for policy changes through these collaborative efforts. UNM students can help combat the crisis by amplifying the voices of indigenous women, and addressing the systemic issues that continue their ill treatment.
Part two analyzing the problem:
The MMIW crisis comes from centuries of colonial violence, racism, and governmental neglect factors such as poverty, lack of resources in indigenous communities and jurisdiction issues between tribal state and federal governments create a perfect storm in which indigenous women fall through the cracks for legal protections.
New Mexico, with its large population faces a unique collaboration of challenges, tribal lands, often, lack sufficient, law-enforcement, and even when cases are reported there is an inadequate investigation additionally, historical, trauma, and poverty accelerate the vulnerabilities of indigenous woman making them targets for human trafficking, domestic violence, and other forms of violence.
Effect:
The effect of the crisis is devastating families are left without answers. Entire communities are traumatized, and the cultural fabric of indigenous nations is eroded at Una the lack of awareness of these issues further isolate, indigenous students who often feel that their struggles are invisible to the produce student body without addressing the MMIW crisis, we fail to uphold values of equality, justice and inclusivity.
Step One:
The first step is addressing the crisis at UNM by forming a union of student clubs and organizations, including Native American groups, gender, equality advocates, and other social justice clubs; this union will serve as a primary body to organize events. Educate the campus and push for institutional support for the union. Also work with external organizations such as the national indigenous women's resource center (NIWRC) to amplify its efforts.
Step two:
The union will initiate a campus wide awareness campaign aimed at educating students and faculty about the MMIW crisis this will include:
Flyers and posters detailing statistics and stories about MMIW in New Mexico.
A social media campaign featuring Survivor stories and linked to resources.
Hosting discussions with experts on MMIW such as representatives from NIWRC or local indigenous activists.
Organizing red dress events where red dresses are displayed around campus to represent the missing and murdered indigenous woman.
Step three:
Next the union will organize workshops to educate students, faculty and administration on the history and ongoing crisis of the indigenous people. These workshops will focus on the intersection of gender, race, and colonialism in the context of violence against indigenous women collaborating with the women’s resource center at UNM. These events could also offer self-defense training, cultural sensitivity, training, and discussions on how to be allies to indigenous communities.
Step four :
In addition to awareness and education, the union will work with UNM administration to address any gaps and policies regarding the safety of an indigenous woman on campus this includes pushing for :
Increased security measures in dorms and on campus housing
accessible resources for indigenous students affected by MMIW such as counseling services and legal aid .
In collaboration with local law-enforcement, to ensure cases involving you or students are thoroughly investigated .
Step five:
The union will connect with local indigenous nations, inviting the tribal leaders and community members to guide the campaign and ensure that it centers the voices of those directly impacted this could involve :
Participating in community lead MMIW events or marches.
Partnering with native lead nonprofits that provide direct support to MMIW families.
Supporting local indigenous artists or writers to create awareness, raising content that could be shared with the UNM community.
Benefits:
The primary benefit of this plan is to increase visibility and awareness of the MMIW crisis at Uni by educating students. The campus community can provide a powerful ally in the fight for justice and safety for indigenous women which also includes benefits of empowering indigenous students by showing solidarity from the broader student body fostering, a sense of community and inclusivity on campus and providing taggable support for indigenous lead initiatives and policy reforms
The financial cost of this proposal is minimal compared to the impact, the bulk of expenses will come from printing materials, hosting events and potential guest speakers clubs can seek funding through UNM student government while partnerships with local organizations can help offset other expenses. Additionally, volunteers from the student body can assist in running campaigns and events.
In terms of commitment, the initiative will require an effort, particularly in the organization of events and workshops. However, the benefit of creating a more informed objective student body outweighs the short term demand.
In conclusion, the MMIW crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and sustained advocacy. An institution with a significant Native American population has the responsibility to address the violence affecting indigenous women and girls in New Mexico by forming a student-led union, launching awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local indigenous communities and artists. The student body can make a meaningful impact .
The proposal outlines a realistic, cost-efficient plan that will not only raise awareness of the crisis, but also offer solutions to support the families and communities that are affected. It is now time for you and the community to take action and show that it stands in solidarity with indigenous women and students in their fight for justice and safety.
Revised Draft:
Introduction, defining the problem:
The missing and murdered, indigenous woman MMIW crisis is a national epidemic affecting many indigenous communities across america. It refers to the violence, disappearances and murders of indigenous women, a reality that is rooted into historical and ongoing reality of native communities for universities like the university of New Mexico situated near indigenous territories. The crisis is especially pertinent, however, despite its proximity awareness of the issue remains low among the student body.
Importance:
The crisis is not just an indigenous issue. It is a human rights issue. This impacts the broader society with New Mexico having one of the highest rates of MMIW cases the UNM community must take a stand. The proposal aims to create an awareness campaign on campus, engaging the student body, and the UNM to collaborate And advocacy, education and support for MMIW initiatives.
Proposed solution:
The solution involves establishing a student lead affiliation that works with indigenous clubs on campus to host educational workshops, which will create campus wide awareness, campaigns and advocate for policy changes through these collaborative efforts. UNM students can help combat the crisis by amplifying the voices of indigenous women, and addressing the systemic issues that continue their ill treatment.
Part two analyzing the problem:
The MMIW crisis comes from centuries of colonial violence, racism, and governmental neglect factors such as poverty, lack of resources in indigenous communities and jurisdiction issues between tribal state and federal governments create a perfect storm in which indigenous women fall through the cracks for legal protections.
New Mexico, with its large population faces a unique collaboration of challenges, tribal lands, often, lack sufficient, law-enforcement, and even when cases are reported there is an inadequate investigation additionally, historical, trauma, and poverty accelerate the vulnerabilities of indigenous woman making them targets for human trafficking, domestic violence, and other forms of violence.
Effect:
The effect of the crisis is devastating families are left without answers. Entire communities are traumatized, and the cultural fabric of indigenous nations is eroded at Una the lack of awareness of these issues further isolate, indigenous students who often feel that their struggles are invisible to the produce student body without addressing the MMIW crisis, we fail to uphold values of equality, justice and inclusivity.
Step One:
The first step is addressing the crisis at UNM by forming a union of student clubs and organizations, including Native American groups, gender, equality advocates, and other social justice clubs; this union will serve as a primary body to organize events. Educate the campus and push for institutional support for the union. Also work with external organizations such as the national indigenous women's resource center (NIWRC) to amplify its efforts.
Step two:
The union will initiate a campus wide awareness campaign aimed at educating students and faculty about the MMIW crisis this will include:
Flyers and posters detailing statistics and stories about MMIW in New Mexico.
A social media campaign featuring Survivor stories and linked to resources.
Hosting discussions with experts on MMIW such as representatives from NIWRC or local indigenous activists.
Organizing red dress events where red dresses are displayed around campus to represent the missing and murdered indigenous woman.
Step three:
Next the union will organize workshops to educate students, faculty and administration on the history and ongoing crisis of the indigenous people. These workshops will focus on the intersection of gender, race, and colonialism in the context of violence against indigenous women collaborating with the women’s resource center at UNM. These events could also offer self-defense training, cultural sensitivity, training, and discussions on how to be allies to indigenous communities.
Step four :
In addition to awareness and education, the union will work with UNM administration to address any gaps and policies regarding the safety of an indigenous woman on campus this includes pushing for :
Increased security measures in dorms and on campus housing
accessible resources for indigenous students affected by MMIW such as counseling services and legal aid .
In collaboration with local law-enforcement, to ensure cases involving you or students are thoroughly investigated .
Step five:
The union will connect with local indigenous nations, inviting the tribal leaders and community members to guide the campaign and ensure that it centers the voices of those directly impacted this could involve :
Participating in community lead MMIW events or marches.
Partnering with native lead nonprofits that provide direct support to MMIW families.
Supporting local indigenous artists or writers to create awareness, raising content that could be shared with the UNM community.
Benefits:
The primary benefit of this plan is to increase visibility and awareness of the MMIW crisis at Uni by educating students. The campus community can provide a powerful ally in the fight for justice and safety for indigenous women which also includes benefits of empowering indigenous students by showing solidarity from the broader student body fostering, a sense of community and inclusivity on campus and providing taggable support for indigenous lead initiatives and policy reforms
The financial cost of this proposal is minimal compared to the impact, the bulk of expenses will come from printing materials, hosting events and potential guest speakers clubs can seek funding through UNM student government while partnerships with local organizations can help offset other expenses. Additionally, volunteers from the student body can assist in running campaigns and events.
In terms of commitment, the initiative will require an effort, particularly in the organization of events and workshops. However, the benefit of creating a more informed objective student body outweighs the short term demand.
In conclusion, the MMIW crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and sustained advocacy. An institution with a significant Native American population has the responsibility to address the violence affecting indigenous women and girls in New Mexico by forming a student-led union, launching awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local indigenous communities and artists. The student body can make a meaningful impact .
The proposal outlines a realistic, cost-efficient plan that will not only raise awareness of the crisis, but also offer solutions to support the families and communities that are affected. It is now time for you and the community to take action and show that it stands in solidarity with indigenous women and students in their fight for justice and safety.
What I learned from my CAPS visit experience is that sometimes in-person interactions don't go as planned but it's important to adapt and find a better way to get what I need such as going online for CAPS visits has been way more helpful as the feedback is clear and straightforward and it fits my schedule better. I’ll use this in future projects by sticking to online services for a more comfortable and efficient process ensuring I get the guidance I need without the stress.
Reflection: So when I went in person to Caps for the first time this girl was very rude to me I don't remember her name but so rude she wouldn't let me finish my questions or my answers to her questions and when I did finish she would just be sarcastic so the whole experience was a negative 10/10, not only that but she acted like she was better then me and in the end I ended up getting into an argument with her and it was so embarrassing so many people were looking at us, however I won the argument. I told my old professor about it at the time and so he suggest that I do it online so now I do all of my caps visits online as they tend to be more friendly and their feedback is rather blunt but its way better in my opinion. However they also give good advice as well and so in general I like going through the online site as well as getting feedback that way as they leave comments into the document as well. It is also working out better for my schedule in the end as well.
Working on these thesis statements helped me understand that different types of thesis can serve specific purposes depending on the argument being made which I found really interesting for example one thesis on the MMIW crisis highlights the systematic failure of law enforcement and government, calling for culturally informed units and better legal protection.
Another thesis focuses on how violence against indigenous women stems from historical indifference and underreporting creating a culture of impunity that can be addressed through heightened public awareness the final thesis stresses the importance of prioritizing indigenous voices in policy-making, funding tribal justice systems and ensuring accountability in investigations to break the cycles of violence and neglect each thesis presents a unique perspective on the issue and learning how to craft these different types of statements helped me see how to approach the topic from various angles. Which is pretty cool if you ask me so either way it's legit.
The ongoing crisis of Missing and murder indigenous women highlights a systematic failure of law from the government and enforcement. Which was addressed through culturally informed units of investigation, legal protection, and data collection on indigenous victims.
The rate of violence against indigenous women is direct results of historical shunning, indifference, and underreporting. This has cultivated a culture of impunity, which addressed root causes which required both reforms of heightened public awareness.
Local governments and federal agencies must prioritize indigenous voices in policy processes, fund tribal justice systems, and adopt accountability measurements that ensure timely investigations or risk cycles upon cycles of violence and neglect.
What I learned from this process is how to effectively organize and evaluate sources using Zotero. It helped me stay organized and efficient especially with its citation tool which saved me time and ensured my work was accurate I also learned how to choose credible sources that directly connect to my project’s goals, making sure they cover different aspects of the MMIW issue like law enforcement media coverage and data collection In future projects I’ll consider using Zotero to manage my research and apply the same strategies for selecting and organizing sources to strengthen my arguments.
Source 1: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: A National Crisis
Currency: Published in 2022, this report is recent and provides up-to-date information about the MMIW crisis.
Relevance: Directly relevant as it provides an overview of the MMIW issue, including systemic barriers and solutions, which aligns with the project’s goals.
Authority: The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) is a reputable organization focused on advocating for Indigenous women's rights and safety.
Accuracy: The information is evidence-based, citing systemic issues and offering policy recommendations. It aligns with other credible sources on the topic.
Purpose: The purpose is to inform and advocate for systemic change to address the MMIW crisis. The report avoids bias and focuses on factual, actionable insights.
Bibliography:
National Indigenous Women's Resource Center. “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: A National Crisis.” National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, 2022.
Source 2: The Role of the Media in Reporting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Currency: Published in 2021, it remains relevant for examining media coverage practices of MMIW cases.
Relevance: Highly relevant as it addresses the project's focus on media representation and its impact on public awareness and justice.
Authority: Authored by Sarah Deer, a respected scholar and advocate in Indigenous legal issues, ensuring credible insights.
Accuracy: Supported by examples and academic analysis, the article critiques mainstream media's shortcomings and provides a clear argument for improved reporting.
Purpose: The purpose is to advocate for equitable and responsible media coverage of MMIW cases, raising awareness and promoting justice.
Bibliography:
Deer, S. “The Role of the Media in Reporting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.” Journal of Indigenous Studies, 2021.
Source 3: Law Enforcement and the MMIW Crisis: The Need for a Coordinated Response
Currency: Published in 2020, the report remains relevant due to the ongoing nature of the MMIW crisis.
Relevance: Essential for the project, as it delves into law enforcement's role and systemic failures, a critical aspect of addressing the MMIW issue.
Authority: Published by the American Indian Law Alliance, a credible organization dedicated to Indigenous legal advocacy.
Accuracy: Provides accurate and detailed analysis of law enforcement practices, jurisdictional challenges, and coordination needs.
Purpose: To highlight systemic law enforcement issues and advocate for coordinated approaches to address MMIW cases effectively.
Bibliography:
American Indian Law Alliance. “Law Enforcement and the MMIW Crisis: The Need for a Coordinated Response.” American Indian Law Alliance, 2020.
Source 4: MMIW: Challenges in Data Collection and Reporting
Currency: Published in 2023, this report provides current insights into the data gaps that hinder understanding and addressing the MMIW crisis.
Relevance: Directly relevant as it highlights the challenges in tracking and reporting MMIW cases, which connects to the project’s focus on systemic barriers.
Authority: Published by the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), a respected organization specializing in public health data for urban Indigenous communities.
Accuracy: The report is data-driven, citing comprehensive studies and evidence to underscore the lack of consistent reporting.
Purpose: To inform policymakers and the public about the critical need for accurate and standardized data to address MMIW cases.
Bibliography:
Urban Indian Health Institute. “MMIW: Challenges in Data Collection and Reporting.” Urban Indian Health Institute, 2023.
Source 5: Advocacy Strategies for Addressing MMIW
Currency: Published in 2021, this article remains relevant by exploring effective advocacy strategies for combating the MMIW crisis.
Relevance: Highly relevant as it outlines actionable steps for grassroots organizations and policymakers, which aligns with the project’s emphasis on systemic change.
Authority: Written by Indigenous legal expert Rebecca Nagle, who is widely recognized for her advocacy work and expertise on MMIW issues.
Accuracy: Supported by case studies and expert analysis, the article provides evidence-based strategies for creating change.
Purpose: To empower communities and advocates with tools to address MMIW through legislative reform, community mobilization, and education.
Bibliography:
Nagle, Rebecca. “Advocacy Strategies for Addressing MMIW.” Journal of Indigenous Policy and Advocacy, 2021.
Zotero was highly effective for organizing and citing sources in this lab. Its folder system and tagging features kept my research organized, while the automatic citation generator saved time and ensured accuracy. The browser plugin made importing sources seamless, though some entries required manual corrections. Overall, it streamlined my work and improved efficiency.
My goal for this annotated bibliography is to highlight sources that shed light on the systemic challenges and institutional failures surrounding the MMIW crisis. I want to focus on sources that call for change in law enforcement, media coverage, and public awareness.
I selected sources that provide a clear overview of the MMIW crisis, focusing on legal, media, and community perspectives. These sources are relevant because they offer both data and personal insights into the challenges faced by Indigenous women.
For my rhetorical strategy, I will use ethos (credibility) to show the legitimacy of these sources and pathos (emotion) to connect the audience with the urgency of the issue.
Through working on this project I learned the importance of narrowing my focus within a broad topic and how to find credible, relevant sources especially from Native American communities I also realized the value of cross referencing and refining search terms to find the most useful materials for my research the experience taught me how to balance emotional and logical appeals to engage my audience while also making sure my sources are academically credible In the future I will use these strategies to stay focused find quality sources and effectively communicate my arguments in a way that resonates with my audience.
To: Professor Hubka
From: McKenzie Jimenez
Date: 11/03/24
Subject: Project 2 reflection memo
Understanding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis has been pivotal in narrowing my focus for this project. Given the broad nature of the topic, I aimed to ensure my research remained relevant and pointed. Focusing on credible sources, particularly those authored by Native American communities, has provided me with valuable perspectives that highlight both historical contexts and modern complications associated with the crisis.
One of my significant challenges has been finding a source rich in detail, especially since the MMIW crisis is a widely recognized issue. The abundance of information made it difficult to pinpoint sources that were specifically relevant to my needs. To overcome this, I engaged in extensive cross-referencing among the materials available to me, evaluating their utility in relation to the arguments I aim to present. This thorough examination was crucial before fully committing to any source.
The MMIW crisis resonates deeply with me, as I have personal ties to the issue—potentially having lost family members through circumstances tied to the crisis. The interconnectedness of clanship in my community emphasizes how these tragedies affect us all. This personal connection has driven me to explore the historical dimensions of the crisis, seeking out sources that amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives.
For my research, I initially used “MMIW” as a keyword, supplemented by terms like “systematic violence,” which yielded effective results. However, I later opted for a simpler search term: “MMIW and knowledge.” This refinement helped me locate a high-quality source that serves my research needs while enabling me to discover more specialized journals and reports aligned with my topic.
Being mindful of my audience has been crucial in selecting my materials. My writing is aimed at an academic audience, requiring that my sources not only be credible but also accessible to a broader readership. I plan to include perspectives from various frameworks, enriching my narrative with both emotional and logical appeals to engage my audience more effectively.
Many sources I reviewed discuss the systemic failures of legal protections for Indigenous women. This overlapping discourse will support my argument for necessary reforms. While some of the sources were outdated, I am committed to incorporating recent reports to ensure my arguments reflect current realities. I am currently weighing six articles to finalize my selection.
Utilizing Zotero for managing my sources has been a new experience. Its intuitive design and ability to quickly gather references have streamlined my research process. Centralizing my work in one platform has made creating a bibliography far less daunting and has saved me time in tracking down sources and formatting citations. I intend to continue using Zotero for future projects as it significantly eases my workload.
Through this project, I have navigated the complexities of researching the MMIW crisis, ensuring that my approach is both personal and academically rigorous. By emphasizing credible Indigenous voices and addressing the systematic failures that contribute to this crisis, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue around MMIW and advocate for necessary reforms.
Library Tutorial:
Not fair why did everybody get a fox and I didn't. :(
What I learned from this project is how important it is to approach research with care especially when the topic is personal and impacts my community I realized how much better my work can be when I focus on the voices and perspectives that matter most like those from Native American authors I also learned that using tools like Zotero can really help organize research which made the whole process easier and less stressful moving forward I know I’ll keep using these skills in future projects, whether it's making sure I’m gathering the right information or staying organized throughout my research.
Project 2 summary: Final
This project gave me a chance to really dive into the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) something that’s not just a research topic for me but a reality that hits close to home. It’s an issue that’s deeply personal, as it’s affected families like mine and so many others in Indigenous communities working on this project wasn’t easy it brought up a lot of emotions but it also felt empowering to shine a light on something that matters so much to me.
One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to focus my research MMIW is such a big and complicated issue and I wanted to make sure that what I shared was meaningful and respectful I decided to focus on sources written by Native American authors and communities because I knew they would have the most honest and valuable insights. Reading those perspectives helped me understand the historical roots of this crisis and how it’s connected to the bigger systems that have failed Indigenous women for generations.
The research itself took a lot of time and energy I spent late nights going through articles trying to make sure the information I used was accurate and relevant It was overwhelming at times because there’s so much out there, but not all of it really gets to the heart of the issue. I remember one night I changed my search terms from just “MMIW” to “MMIW and knowledge gaps,” and that led me to an article that completely changed how I thought about the project It reminded me how important it is to stay flexible and open during research because sometimes a small change can lead to a big breakthrough.
What made this project even more personal was thinking about how MMIW has affected my own community. In Navajo culture, our clanship connects us all so when one family loses someone it’s felt by everyone. That connection pushed me to make sure my work wasn’t just about presenting facts it was about honoring the women who’ve been lost and the families who are still searching for answers that emotional connection was a big motivator but it also made the work heavy at times and It wasn’t easy to read stories or look at statistics knowing how close this hits to home.
One part of this project that surprised me was how much I came to rely on Zotero for organizing my research. At first I didn’t think I’d need it but it ended up making my life so much easier. Instead of scrambling to keep track of my sources or stressing about formatting citations I could just focus on the work itself It’s one of those tools I didn’t know I needed, but now I can’t imagine doing a project without it. No matter how much I will complain I will still use it.
Looking back on this project I feel like I’ve grown a lot It wasn’t just about completing an assignment it was about taking a step toward raising awareness for something that’s so important even though it’s just one project I hope it helps start conversations and inspires others to learn more or take action. It also reminded me how powerful it can be to use my voice and my skills to advocate for change this experience has motivated me to keep finding ways to bring attention to MMIW whether it’s through research, conversations, or creating something that makes people stop and think I feel proud of the work I’ve done and I know it’s only the beginning of what I want to do to support this cause.
Project 2, the proposal draft, helped me understand how to structure and present a clear and compelling argument for my topic which in this case was the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. Creating a proposal forced me to refine my ideas and focus on the most critical aspects of the issue this experience taught me how to identify the purpose of my work and how to outline clear goals for future projects.
It also helped me think strategically about the audience I want to address and how to tailor my argument to resonate with them. As I move forward I will use the skills I gained in crafting the proposal to organize future research and arguments more efficiently the experience also showed me how to structure complex social issues in a way that highlights their urgency, and I will be able to apply this approach to other sensitive topics in future proposals. So I had found statistics that will help me in project 3 which will be included into the slides and through that I was able to find my source for my draft as well.