Monday, March 17, 2025

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is making new efforts to help solve Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases. Now, the federal agency is using forensic technology to help reunite the remains of Native Americans with their families and tribal nations. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Kaleb Roedel has more. Federal data shows there are roughly 4,200 unsolved MMIP cases. The BIA is working to bring that number down with the initiative “Operation Spirit Return.” The agency is partnering with a Texas-based company called Othram, which uses genetic genealogy to identify human remains. Gina Jackson is Western Shoshone and an advocate. She says any resource going towards this crisis is a good thing. “But the injustices are so huge and so vast that we need some big changes. We need to be protected, and right now, Native women and girls – and Native people, in general – are not being protected.” The BIA did not respond to an interview request. In a recent press release, the agency says it’s actively investigating 15 unsolved cases across tribal lands. (Courtesy Junior League of Eugene / Facebook) Human trafficking awareness and prevention was the focus of a community discussion last week in Eugene, Oreg. Among those attending were MMIP advocates. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports. The Junior League of Eugene organized the event, which was sold out with more than 150 registrants attending. Among them was Amanda Freeman, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Amanda Freeman (member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde) appeared at the Junior League’s event wearing a beaded necklace created by her brother Andrew. The medallion depicts an Indigenous person with a woven basket hat and a red handprint over their mouth. (Photo: Brian Bull / KLCC) She’s testified in the Oregon Legislature for bills to improve response and awareness of MMIP cases. Freeman also started Ampkwa Advocacy last winter. It’s a non-profit organization that helps advocate for victims and their families, through Native culture and practices. “I would rather save who we can by being who we are, and if we spread awareness, teach one new person one new thing, then that’s something.” Freeman said she planned to talk to a presenter with the FBI on internet safety for young people. Meanwhile, organizer Sarah Koski, community resource liaison for Lane Transit District (LTD), said she was pleased with the event. She said it’s an extension of a pledge LTD signed last November to help fight human trafficking. “So every one of our buses is a designated safe place for youth. We partner with Looking Glass, our downtown station, and our Springfield station as well. And what does that mean if there’s a youth in crisis, if they run to our bus, how do we support them?” The Human Trafficking Hotline’s 2023 data shows nearly 250 victims were involved in trafficking cases in Oregon, most of them female. The San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona is offering a $75,000 reward for information in the murder case of Emily Pike. The teenager went missing in January. Her remains were later found. 12 News reports the reward was announced during a vigil held by the tribe over the weekend. Her case has drawn national attention as people from across Indian Country are calling for justice for Emily and other MMIP cases. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information at 928-200-2352. (Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr) Tribal leaders are remembering U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) as a champion for Native people. He died last week, after battling cancer. The Hopi Tribe in a statement said the congressman was a true statesman, champion of the State of Arizona, and friend to Indian Country. Among accomplishments, the tribe says he helped with clean water project, electrification efforts, and other investments. He also recently championed a water rights settlement for Arizona tribes. The Hopi Tribe says Rep. Grijalva’s friendship and commitment to Indian Country leaves a void in Congress. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren took to social media honoring the congressman’s legacy saying Grijalva was instrumental in protecting sacred lands, including the Grand Canyon. A candlelight vigil was held for the congressman in Tucson Sunday night. Grijalva was 77-years-old.   Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today.