The tragic death of 14-year-old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has brought renewed urgency to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and AZ State Bill HB 2281. Emily was reported missing on January 27, 2025, from her group home in Mesa, Arizona before her remains were finally found on February 14, 2025. Emily was a joyful and creative young girl who loved animals, K-pop, and Roblox. Her family and community are devastated by the loss of a bright, vibrant soul who had her whole life ahead of her.

HB 2281 is a bill that would create a Red-Feather MMIP alert system, similar to the AMBER Alert, for missing Indigenous people. This system will ensure that when an Indigenous person goes missing, they receive immediate attention and resources to help bring them home. The bill has already passed the Arizona House with unanimous support, and now it’s time for the Arizona State Senate to take action in the upcoming days. 

Emily’s story is not an isolated one. It highlights the urgent need for change. Indigenous people, especially women, go missing at alarmingly high rates, and the lack of proper resources to respond has created a crisis. A 2016 study found that 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence, and homicide is one of the leading causes of death for Native women.

Let’s help get HB 2281 officially signed into law and bring justice to Emily Pike and her family. This bill is a crucial step in ensuring no Indigenous person’s disappearance is overlooked and that the families of missing Indigenous people receive the support they deserve.

Sign and share this petition to show your support for HB 2281 and demand urgency from the Arizona State Senate!

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