Monday, September 29, 2025

(Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) The father of Emily Pike has filed a civil lawsuit against the Mesa group home that had the San Carlos Apache teen in its custody before she went missing and was murdered in Arizona. KJZZ’s Gabriel Pietrorazio has details. The seven-page complaint alleges Sacred Journey Inc. group home staff were negligent in failing to keep Emily in their care – blaming them for her “wrongful death.” “If they had kept her safe, would this have happened? We don’t know.” Olivia Lemorrocco is with the Phillips Law Group. The Department of Child Safety found, back in April, a few deficiencies but once the facility corrected them, no further action was taken. “Their investigation came too late, unfortunately for Emily. I know they’ve made small changes, but it doesn’t change the facts of what happened.” The personal injury law firm in Phoenix is representing Emily’s biological dad, Jensen Pike, who has been behind bars since before she disappeared in late January. He’s seeking unspecified damages for forever being deprived of his child. “You know, I can’t speak for any other family member or Emily’s mom. The answer is, I don’t know if she’s pursuing anything.” A mural honoring slain Native American teen Emily Pike on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) Sacred Journey Inc. did not respond for comment, but has 20 days to reply to the complaint that also looks to recoup funeral and burial costs. The San Carlos Apache Tribe provided at least $5,000 for Emily’s funeral, but that didn’t cover everything. “I cannot confirm where the funds came from directly, but what I can tell you is that the funeral expenses far exceeded $5,000 as many family members had to travel in. As you know, that adds up very quickly.” Emily’s remains were found, back in February, in garbage bags along an Arizona highway – over 100 miles away from where she was last seen at the group home. Nicci Wagy with Warrior Women for Justice speaks to those gathered at the vigil Friday. (Photo: Kayla Desroches / Yellowstone Public Radio) Billings, Mont. hosted its second annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples vigil and community meal to honor loved ones and rally around justice and healing. Yellowstone Public Radio’s Kayla Desroches has more. Advocacy group Warrior Women for Justice convene the vigil Friday morning with a smudging ceremony on the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn. Nicci Wagy with Warrior Women for Justice is Apsáalooke and Omaha and says this gathering is an opportunity for community members to honor their loved ones in solidarity. “To not only remember the stolen, but bring awareness, seek advocacy, seek justice and accountability and to speak for those who have been silence.” According to a 2020 report from the Montana Department of Justice, Indigenous people make up less than a tenth of the state’s population, but roughly 25% of all missing persons. “Today it does not matter if you call upon the Lord to hear your prayers or if you turn to all four directions while burning sacred herbs to lift your pleas. What matters today is standing together as one to roll away the stone that’s blocking the government and media and our own families and communities from acting. We stand together to give life to hope.” After speeches and reading a list of the missing and murdered, attendees share a meal, stories, and healing crafts like painting and weaving. Wagy says Warrior Women for Justice will roll out a series of recordings from the event to highlight some of those stories. Ernie Stevens, Jr. is being remembered for his contributions to Indian Country, serving as chairman of the Indian Gaming Association for more than two decades. Stevens, a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on Friday at age 66. The Indian Gaming Association says Stevens was a strong advocate for Native rights, and his legacy includes a record of policy victories and economic achievements in Indian gaming. Stevens was a guest on Native America Calling last month. Listen to the full episode. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – The outlook for tribal gaming     Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today.   Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Monday, September 29, 2025 – How will Native Americans fare in state-by-state redistricting push?