The Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Emily Pike’s Story Sparks Outrage and Demands for Change
The tragic death of 15-year-old San Carlos Apache teenager Emily Pike has sent shockwaves through Native American communities and beyond, reigniting calls for justice and an end to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Pike disappeared in late January from a group home in a Phoenix suburb. Initially believed to have run away, her remains were discovered nearly a month later, over 80 miles from where she was last seen. The news of her brutal death has evoked deep emotions, from heartbreak to outrage, as it shines a light on a crisis that has long plagued Native American communities.
Pike’s case has become a rallying cry for change, with advocates demanding stronger protections for Indigenous women and girls, who face disproportionately high rates of violence and disappearance. At a vigil held in Mesa, near the group home where Pike was last seen, dozens of people gathered to honor her life and advocate for systemic reforms. Clad in red—a color symbolic of the movement to end violence against Indigenous women—attendees held candles, shared stories, and displayed posters with messages like “No more stolen sisters” and “Justice for Emily Pike.” The vigil was not just a moment of mourning but a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to address this decades-long crisis.
A Beloved Life: Remembering Emily Pike
To those who knew her, Emily Pike was more than a statistic. She was a kind, funny, and vibrant teenager who loved animals, K-pop, and Roblox. Four of her cousins, Jadyn Palmer and Tyraya Steele among them, remembered her as a joyful presence who was always by their side. Growing up together on the San Carlos Apache reservation, the trio shared countless memories, from laughter-filled moments to plans for future adventures. In their last conversation, Pike told Palmer and Steele that she would return to the reservation within a month, and the cousins eagerly discussed shopping trips they would take together. Now, the loss of their “trio” has left Palmer and Steele heartbroken, their voices choked with emotion as they reflect on the happy memories they shared with Pike.
At the vigil, Pike’s love for life was celebrated through music and dance. Tony Dunkin and his 12-year-old daughter performed a jingle dance, a traditional healing dance, to honor her memory. Mary Kim Titla, a San Carlos Apache Tribe member, shared that Pike had dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, a testament to her love for animals. Titla, who has lost three female relatives to violence, emphasized that the community’s shared grief is part of a larger healing process, one rooted in a desire to address the historical and generational trauma that has afflicted Indigenous communities. “It affects so many people,” Titla said, “and I think the reason is because we all know someone.”
A Movement Gains Momentum: “Everyone’s Daughter”
Emily Pike’s case has transcended borders, sparking a wave of solidarity across the country. On social media, the red handprint—a symbol of the movement to end violence against Indigenous women—has become a powerful emblem of unity. People from all walks of life have shared photos of themselves with the red handprint covering their mouths, using hashtags like #NoMoreStolenSisters, #SayHerName, and #JusticeForEmily. In Wisconsin, organizers planned a candlelight vigil, while in Colorado, flyers encouraged people to wear red in solidarity. Even a high school basketball team in Arizona honored Pike by wearing jerseys with “MMIW” (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and a red handprint.
“Emily has become everyone’s daughter, granddaughter, and niece,” Titla said, reflecting on the widespread outpouring of grief and support. Pike’s story has resonated deeply because it represents the tragic reality faced by countless Indigenous women and girls. The pain of her loss is not just felt by her family and community but by an entire nation grappling with a crisis that has gone unaddressed for far too long.
Unanswered Questions: The Investigation and Systemic Failures
The investigation into Emily Pike’s disappearance and death has raised questions about the systemic failures that contribute to the high rates of violence against Indigenous women. Pike’s remains were found in Gila County, Arizona, and multiple agencies, including the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa police, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the FBI, are involved in the case. However, the delays in reporting her disappearance highlight the jurisdictional challenges and gaps in communication that often hinder investigations involving Indigenous communities.
Pike was in the custody of the San Carlos Apache Tribe Social Services when she went missing. Mesa police reported her missing to the National Crime Information Center on January 27, but her mother, Steff Dosela, said she did not learn of her daughter’s disappearance until a week later. Advocates like Anika Robinson, president of the nonprofit foster care advocacy group ASA Now, have questioned why it took so long for Pike’s family to be notified. “Imagine what probably had already transpired by that week,” Robinson said, underscoring the critical need for faster action in such cases.
The Path Forward: Policy Solutions and Community Solidarity
Addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women requires a multifaceted approach that combines policy reforms, increased funding, and stronger community support. In 2023, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs established a task force to identify policies for addressing the high rates of disappearances and killings among Native Americans, with a final report due in 2026. Other states, including Washington, New Mexico, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, have launched similar initiatives. At the federal level, the Biden administration has taken steps to address the issue, including the creation of a special unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and listening sessions with Indigenous leaders.
Advocates like Tiffany Jiron, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, are pushing for more comprehensive law enforcement training, increased funding for tribal programs that provide shelter and mental health resources, and stronger alert systems. Jiron emphasized that Indigenous communities are not invisible and deserve the same attention from law enforcement as any other group. “Our cases are involving real people, real families, real children,” she said.
As the nation mourns the loss of Emily Pike, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. The outpouring of support for Pike and her family reflects a shared commitment to healing and justice. While the road ahead is long, the movement to end violence against Indigenous women is gaining momentum, fueled by the determination of advocates, policymakers, and communities who refuse to let these voices go unheard.
