Standing with Indigenous families
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP)
Local resources, the Feather Alert, and support for Indigenous families and tribal communities in Kern County.
If your loved one is missing right now
Act immediately.
Call 911 if there is any immediate danger. To file a missing person report in Kern County, contact your local law enforcement agency right away. Time matters, and Indigenous relatives are at higher risk.
Kern County Sheriff's Office
Communications Center
(661) 861-3110
Bakersfield Police Department
Non-emergency
(661) 327-7111
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Missing & Murdered Unit tip line
(833) 560-2065
When you call, ask the agency directly about issuing a Feather Alert, California's statewide alert for missing Indigenous people. You have every right to ask, to follow up, and to keep advocating until you receive an answer. Write down every name, case number, and the time of each call.
Why this page exists
Across California and the nation, Indigenous people go missing and are killed at rates far higher than the general population, and for generations, too many of these cases received little attention. Behind every case is a relative, a family, and a community that deserves answers.
Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking stands with Indigenous families and tribal communities in our region. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and the crisis of human trafficking are deeply connected, and we believe every relative deserves to be searched for, counted, and brought home.
This page is here to help families take action, connect with support, and find resources close to home.
California
The Feather Alert
A statewide alert system, similar to an Amber Alert, created to help locate missing Indigenous people in California. It is operated by the California Highway Patrol and notifies the public through highway message signs, radio, news media, and social media.
How it works
- 1
A Feather Alert can be requested when an Indigenous person goes missing under suspicious or unexplained circumstances and may be in danger.
- 2
A family member or tribal authority should contact local law enforcement immediately and ask the agency to request a Feather Alert through the California Highway Patrol.
- 3
Law enforcement reviews the request to determine whether the criteria are met. If you believe your loved one qualifies, ask, follow up, and advocate firmly until you receive a clear response.
If an agency is slow to act, a California tribe may, in certain circumstances, request a Feather Alert directly from the California Highway Patrol. Keep detailed written notes of every conversation, including names and times.
How to report and find help
Report a missing adult
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
A free national database where families can enter and search cases and connect with investigators.
- Phone: (833) 872-5176
- Email: NamUs@usdoj.gov
- Online: namus.gov
Report a missing child
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Available 24/7.
Report a missing or murdered Indigenous person
Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing & Murdered Unit (federal tip line)
- Phone: (833) 560-2065
California tribal and MMIP support
California Department of Justice, Office of Native American Affairs
The state also hosts "Missing in California Indian Country" events, where families can report a loved one missing, receive an update on an active case, and provide a DNA sample for the state\u2019s Unidentified Persons Database.
- Email: ONAA@doj.ca.gov
Local Indigenous health and wellness
Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP)
Culturally centered health, wellness, and family support services for Native people in the Bakersfield and Kern County area.
- Online: bakersfieldaihp.org
Domestic, dating, or sexual violence support
StrongHearts Native Helpline
A culturally rooted helpline for Native individuals and families. Call, text, or chat. 24/7, confidential.
Human trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Available 24/7 in more than 200 languages.
- Phone: (888) 373-7888
- Text: 233733
Federal family support
U.S. Department of Justice, National Native American Outreach Services Liaison
Helps improve communication between families and law enforcement.
- Phone: 1-866-379-0224
Standing with our local tribal communities
Kern County is home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to this land spans generations. They include the Tejon Indian Tribe, a federally recognized tribe of Kitanemuk, Yokuts, Paiute, and Chumash people headquartered in Bakersfield, and the Tübatulabal of the Kern River Valley, along with Kawaiisu and Kitanemuk relatives.
We honor these communities, and we recognize that lasting solutions to this crisis must be led by Indigenous voices. KCAHT is committed to listening, partnering, and supporting tribal-led efforts to protect our relatives and bring our missing home.
Local tribal resource
Tejon Indian Tribe Community Advocacy Program
Based in Bakersfield, California, this program provides vital support, education, and victim services to protect Native people and local communities from violence and exploitation.
Services and goals
- Survivor support: Direct help and resources for victims of violence and exploitation.
- Community education: Awareness and prevention programming across the region.
- Safety and collaboration: Partnerships with local and tribal programs to build safe spaces free from violence.
Contact information
- Address:4941 David Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93307
- Phone:(833) 638-HELP (4357) or (661) 834-8566
- Website:Tejon Indian Tribe
How you can help
You do not have to be directly affected to make a difference.
Learn and share
May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Month. The red dress and the red handprint are symbols of the movement. Share them, and the stories behind them.
Report what you know
If you have information about a missing person, contact law enforcement or use the tip lines above. A single tip can bring someone home.
Show up
Attend local awareness walks, vigils, and tribal community events.
Get involved
Contact us to learn how you can volunteer, donate, or bring awareness programming to your school, workplace, or community.
Support for grief and trauma
If you are carrying the weight of a missing or lost loved one, you are not alone, and your grief is valid.
Culturally appropriate support
StrongHearts Native Helpline
For Native individuals and families.
1-844-762-8483Lean on your community, your traditions, and the people who care about you. Healing is not linear, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
Our commitment
No relative should be forgotten. Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking is committed to standing alongside Indigenous families and tribal communities in the work to bring our missing home and to honor those we have lost.
If you or someone you love needs help, or if you would like to partner with us, please reach out through the contact form on this site.