Holding Our Girls
In January 2025, 14-year-old Emily Pike (San Carlos Apache) was reported missing from her Mesa residence. Like many others in the MMIWG2S movement, I followed this case. I remember how sharply her missing posters struck me: Emily’s picture–full cheeks, kind eyes, and a friendly, bright smile–was indelible. As for all Indigenous girls who go missing, we wanted her home safe, sound, and aware that she had an entire movement of people who cared about her.
Emily’s remains were found in trash bags of off the US Route 60 Northeast. The cause of her death was ruled, in the summer of 2025, combined homicidal violence and blunt force trauma. I cannot imagine the fear and pain this child encountered in the final days of her life.
To commemorate Emily’s passing and life, I wanted to preserve her smile.
miskobagizi 