November 13, 2021: Five Years in Remembrance of Ashlynne Mike

Brian Thurber | November 15, 2021

Written by Pamela Foster, Mother of Ashlynne, and unwavering advocate for the protection of children in Indian Country This month on November 13th we celebrated Ashlynne’s birthday. This will be the 5th birthday where the only one who couldn’t attend was Ashlynne. Despite her physical absence, this day still belongs to her. On this beautiful […]

Image of Ashlynne Mike

Walking in Remembrance of Ashlynne Mike

Melissa Blasing | April 29, 2021

In Our Hearts We thought of you today. But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday. And days before that too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. Now all we have memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we’ll never part. […]

Screen shot of video feature for the 32nd annual candlelight vigil, national police week 2020

Recognizing Service and Protection for Tribal Communities: 2020 National Police Week

Jim Walters | May 15, 2020

During this 2020 National Police Week, we wish to thank each of you for your service and sacrifice on behalf of the tribal communities across the United States. During these unprecedented times you have stayed strong, placing yourselves on the front lines, facing the dangers of the corona virus while protecting our children and our […]

Tribal and local police officers arriving at scene, side of roadway

Recognizing the Importance of the Proclamation

Jim Walters | May 6, 2020

May 5th: Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives Awareness Day With the signing of a proclamation declaring May 5th as Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives Awareness Day, President Trump has taken a step forward in our nation’s efforts to raise awareness and protect Native American and Alaskan Native communities. Before […]

Silent Epidemic: Reflections One Year Later

Ron Gurley | April 30, 2018

One year ago, April 2017, I wrote a blog on this website titled Silent Epidemic.  I used the word Silent to denote there is currently no way for law enforcement to specify and catalog the numbers of missing and/or murdered Native American women. I used the word Epidemic to denote this is a clear and […]

If You See Something, Say Something

Ron Gurley | February 15, 2018

When it comes to being a Child Advocate so much has changed over the past fifty years. Today we are daily addressing problems of child abuse, both physical and emotional. Child sex trafficking has become more and more prevalent, even within tribal communities. It is up to all of us in law enforcement and community […]

Never Forgotten

Jim Walters | January 22, 2018

“Never Forgotten” by Kathleen Piccione (Chippewa) Over the holidays I received a package in the mail which contained a framed print of a Native American child.  When I looked closely I saw that the print was signed by the artist and included the inscription; “Never Forgotten, In Memory of Ashlynne”.  While the artwork itself is […]

Reflections and Visions

Ron Gurley | December 12, 2017

Throughout the year, virtually all Native American cultures celebrate special occasions.  Sacred songs and dances are done year round to honor their people or their particular historical traditions. Events such as public feasting ceremonies are of great importance and based on social traditions that help unite tribal members. Other special occasions include the annual celebration […]

What Can You Do to Bring AMBER Alert to Your Community?

Ron Gurley | October 19, 2017

On October 20th, 2017 attorneys, investigators, family and community members will gather in a courtroom in Albuquerque, New Mexico to hear the judge sentence a man to prison for the abduction and murder of an 11 year old Native American girl.   That case, more than any other in recent memory drew attention to the fact […]

Unnatural Disasters

Ron Gurley | September 28, 2017

We all are aware of natural disasters. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, etc. Things that are referred to as Acts of God that happen to us unexpectedly or maybe with some advance notice. We as a people today have early warning broadcasts or sirens that alert us to upcoming natural disaster events. Back in the […]