HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut’s tribal nations joined state leaders to observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Recognition Day.

The event shed light on the alarming rates of violence against Native Americans, particularly indigenous women.

“In the United States, homicide is the third leading cause of death among native women ages 10-24,” said State Sen. Eric Berthel (R). “Native women are victims of murder more than ten times the national average.”

Mashantucket Pequot Vice Chairwoman LaToya Cluff said “indigenous peoples are murdered at the rate of up to ten times higher than the national average; it’s non-native men who commit more than 80 percent of violent attacks against indigenous people.”

The ceremony also featured the “Red Dress Project,” an exhibition honoring victims of violent crimes against Native American women.