Yuma City Council approves numerous proclamations

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma City Council addressed several community focused items during Wednesday night's meeting, including a proclamation recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day and a tribute to honor a fallen Yuma police officer.

Community members gathered inside Yuma City Hall wearing red in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, also known as MMIW. During the meeting, councilmembers read a proclamation recognizing the month of May as a month of remembrance and awareness for Indigenous women who are missing or have been victims of violence.

The MMIW movement aims to bring attention to the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls across the United States and Canada. While also encouraging advocacy, awareness and support for affected families and communities.

Councilmembers also approved naming the city's new Public Safety Evidence Storage Facility after Lt. Daniel Elkins, a Yuma Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Mayor Doug Nicholls said both actions reflected the importance of bringing the community together while honoring those who have served and sacrificed for public safety in Yuma.