Since recent legislation in multiple states has called for studies on the scope of missing Native American persons, this article reports on one such study from Nebraska by first describing the practical and methodological issues for researchers to consider when examining data on missing Native persons.
Using data from four point-in-time-counts in 2020, rates of Native American missing persons and case contexts over the study period are reported. Findings show that Native Americans are disproportionately represented among Nebraska’s missing persons, that reports often involve minor boys, and that cases are dynamic and most are resolved quickly. Relatedly, most Native missing persons cases are only listed on the state clearinghouse, not the national missing persons lists. The paper concludes with a discussion of specific directions for future research and policy regarding missing Native Americans. (Publisher Abstract)