Search for missing Indigenous females (audio)

1A (NPR.org, Aug. 25, 2020), the1A.org; Xochitl, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Native American Kaysera Stops Pretty Places went missing on August 24, 2019. Her family is asking for answers and justice from local law enforcement.

Pipestem Law Native American women are much more likely to be the victims of violence than the general American population. It's grown into a crisis known as the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

In the fall of 2019, Pres. Trump unveiled an executive order aimed at tackling the issue. Part of that order is the opening of cold case offices across the country that will focus on unsolved crimes involving Indigenous victims, particularly those of women and girls.

1A started its conversation with the story of missing Kaysera Stops Pretty Places. She was found dead [likely killed] a year ago, not far from the Crow Reservation in Montana where she grew up. 1A spoke with her aunt, Grace Bulltail.

1A also spoke with Annita Lucchesi, executive director of the Sovereign Bodies Institute, Margo Hill, director of the Eastern Washington University Tribal Planning Program, and Tara Sweeney, assistant secretary of Indian Affairs.

• Need help? Strong Hearts Native Helpline at (844) 7NATIVE (762-8483) is a domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Central Time. It is anonymous and confidential.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
• More at 1A's website