Emily Pike’s Legacy: Hundreds Unite for Justice in Moving Tribute to Native Teen

On March 6, hundreds gathered outside a church in Mesa to honor and remember San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike, whose life was tragically cut short earlier this year. The vigil, marked by the chant “Say her name! Emily Pike!” aimed to support her family and raise awareness about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Family spokesperson Gail Pechuli emphasized the importance of sharing Emily’s story, pointing out the emotional support generated from the large turnout. “It gives them a lot of hope at a time where they need comfort and strength,” she said, highlighting the family’s realization that they are now part of the MMIW crisis.

Attendees displayed signs demanding “Justice for Emily Pike” and “No More Stolen Sisters,” which underscored the deep concern surrounding Indigenous women’s safety. The ceremony featured speakers who shared condolences, sang songs, and reflected on community solidarity in the fight against the MMIW epidemic.

Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was living in a group home in Mesa when she was last seen on January 27, near the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road. Her disappearance led to a missing persons report, but her remains were discovered weeks later, on February 14, in a remote area outside Globe. The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, involved.

Pechuli pointed out the stark realities faced by Indigenous communities, noting that Emily’s case has shed light on the broader MMIW crisis, which has historically been overlooked. “Indigenous children are disproportionately overrepresented in the child welfare systems not only in Arizona but across the United States,” the interim report by Arizona’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force revealed.

Statistics show that as of mid-2024, nearly 11% of children in out-of-home care in Arizona are Indigenous. The report indicates these children are more likely to run away from group homes than from foster placements. Critically, the data breakdown does not include tribal nations, often leaving Indigenous communities unaware of the whereabouts of their children.

According to Pechuli, it took a week for the family to be notified about Emily’s disappearance. Initially labeled a runaway, the response from social services was slow, exacerbating the family’s distress. They were heartbroken to later learn of Emily’s death from authorities. “The family’s priority is to get the remains back and have Emily come home one more time,” Pechuli stated, as they prepared for her burial.

Emily’s mother, Stephanie Doseoa, shared her daughter’s passion for animals and her cheerful spirit, a bright light in their San Carlos home. “She was a happy girl,” said Doseoa, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. “I want justice for my daughter,” she emphasized, hoping that awareness of Emily’s story could spur change.

The impact of Emily’s story resonates with many, prompting calls for action and a renewed focus on the MMIW crisis. Shiloh Ashley from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe attended the vigil, relating to Emily’s story from her own experiences in foster care. “It’s really scary,” Ashley said, highlighting the vulnerability faced by Indigenous communities.

In a statement, the San Carlos Apache Tribe mourned their loss, acknowledging the deep shock that Emily’s death has created within the community. “It hurts a lot of people on a lot of levels because she was a part of our tribe,” Pechuli noted, reflecting on the emotional reverberations of this tragedy.