The Great Skate Tour

The Great Skate Tour: Cross-Country Roller Skating Journey Raises Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

Jackson, WY, August 6-8 - The Great Skate Tour, an unprecedented cross-country roller skating expedition, is currently making its way from Washington State to Washington D.C. This extraordinary journey, spanning from July 2024 through September 2024, aims to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) while bringing health, wellness and healing to the Indigenous communities affected by MMIP through roller skating.

Led by Melissa "Skeet Fighter" Skeet, this 2.5-month tour combines the unique medium of roller skating with a profound mission to raise awareness of the MMIP crisis, which disproportionately affects Indigenous communities across North America also known as Turtle Island.

Key Highlights of The Great Skate Tour:

1. Route: Washington State to Washington D.C.
2. Duration: July 2024 through September, 2024
3. Mission: Raise national/global awareness of the MMIP epidemic
4. Partnership: Collaborating and fundraise for Ohkomi Forensics, an Indigenous non-profit organization

"The MMIP crisis demands our immediate attention and action," says Melissa (aka "Skeet Fighter"). "By roller skating across the country, we're not just covering miles; we're giving voice to an issue that has been silent for far too long."

The tour aims to achieve three primary objectives:

1. Raise nationwide awareness about the MMIP crisis
2. Empower and amplify Indigenous voices
3. Promote health, wellness, and healing through roller skating
4. Fundraise to support organizations working on MMIP issues

A significant portion of the funds raised (50-70%) will directly support Ohkomi Forensics, an Indigenous-led organization providing crucial forensic anthropology, DNA testing, and field excavation services during the forensic investigation process and advocating for the families affected by MMIP.

How to Support The Great Skate Tour:
Individuals and organizations wishing to support this crucial initiative can donate in two ways:
1. GoFundMe Campaign:
Contribute directly to The Great Skate Tour via our GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-great-skate-tour. Funds raised here will support both the tour logistics and Ohkomi Forensics.
2. Direct Donations to Ohkomi Forensics:
To support the vital work of Ohkomi Forensics directly, donations can be made through https://www.ohkomiforensics.com/donate.

Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant impact in raising awareness and supporting the MMIP cause.

How To Follow The Great Skate Tour
The Great Skate Tour invites communities along its route to join in solidarity, whether by skating, running, walking, biking, etc. alongside the team, attending local events, or contributing to the cause. For more information, to follow the journey, and/or join a local event:
Instagram: @skeet_fighter
Facebook: Skeet Fighter
TikTok: @skeet_fighter
YouTube: SkeetFighter

About Skeet Fighter:
Melissa Skeet, a Diné (Navajo) woman from the Navajo Nation, grew up at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. With a career in Victim Assistance, she survived Domestic Violence in 2017, finding solace and empowerment through roller derby. Her passion for roller skating outdoors led to trail skating, which she now uses as a platform to advocate for awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, health, wellness and healing.

Media Contact:
Nate Zahn
info@skate4avoice.com


Category: Community | Fundraisers

Date and Time: On Wed, 07 Aug 2024 at 10:00 - Thu, 08 Aug 2024 at 17:00