Honoring Emily Pike: New Memorials Aim to Raise Awareness on MMIW

Establishing a Lasting Legacy for Emily Pike

In a poignant development for the San Carlos Apache community and supporters of justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), the family of Emily Pike has announced the establishment of two permanent memorial sites. These memorials—one at Fitch Park in Mesa and another near milepost 277 on Highway 60, where her remains were discovered—serve not only to honor the memory of this young teen but also to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis concerning Indigenous women.

A Tragic Journey Towards Justice

Emily Pike's life was tragically cut short when she disappeared from her group home on January 27, 2025, at just 14 years old. Her body was found weeks later, leading to a homicide investigation that still remains unresolved. The family’s decision to create memorials comes after the temporary site at the intersection of McKellips Road and Mesa Drive, where she was last seen, was removed; yet community members quickly restored it in Emily's honor. “Her story needs to be continually told,” stated Stephanie Dosela, Emily’s mother, reflecting a collective sentiment in the Native community that justice must be pursued.

The Community Responds

Recent vigils have gathered hundreds, uniting people across various backgrounds. Holding signs proclaiming “Justice for Emily Pike” and “No More Stolen Sisters,” attendees aim to bring attention not only to her case but also to the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women—an issue that has long affected these communities. A key part of this movement has been community engagement. Alika Harvey, a fourteen-year-old from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, expressed, “Why are we still going through this as Indigenous people?” This question resonates throughout various gatherings and memorials inspired by Emily’s tragic story.

Honoring Emily’s Memory Through Action

The decision to establish permanent sites is not merely about remembrance; it signifies a broader fight against a systemic issue affecting Indigenous peoples. Efforts to install the memorials represent both a commitment to Emily Pike’s legacy and a platform for sparking awareness about the plight of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Stephanie Dosela added, “Her legacy will continue to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People,” which highlights the family's mission moving forward.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Change

As a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Fitch Park approaches, there is much anticipation in the community. This event will serve as a powerful reminder of Emily’s life and an ongoing call to action to demand justice for her and many others affected by similar tragedies. The San Carlos Apache Tribe is also pushing for reforms in how Indigenous children are cared for and protected within the welfare system, addressing the dire statistics we see in their communities.

Conclusion: The Importance of Remembering

The upcoming memorials for Emily Pike symbolize much more than a personal loss; they represent an urgent call for justice and awareness on a national scale. As this community takes steps to ensure that Emily’s story is not forgotten, we are reminded that each name matters and that collective action can lead to meaningful change. Let us continue to say her name, advocate for justice, and work towards ending the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.