War Cry Podcast

WE ARE BACK!!! Live broadcast from the Yakama Nation Behavioral Health MMIP Symposium held at Legends Casino, May 4th and 5th. Guest is Lee Sekaquaptewa, Yakama/Hopi/Navajo, Artist and composer of War Cry Podcast theme music. We highlight some notable Wa St and local MMIWP inspired art. Lee discusses his inspiration for his MMIWP art pieces. For pictures and visuals please watch on youtube, facebook or visit our website: warcrypodcast.com

This workshop final session covers the cold case matrix that helps determine what cold cases will likely be opened again with efforts from the family or advocates to put it forward. Also ways to request information on closed cases. Chris also goes over why its important to advocate for yourself to help an MMIW MMIP case be reopened. Show slides are available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VpV6176a_GBePfjxZsMc3vPIF5EGxb1c/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103615332257278026671&rtpof=true&sd=true

Still working through the meat and potatoes of constructing a Tribally based MMIP Task Force. Chris speaks to how this workshop is not just a recipe book give to tribes, but a guided effort to complete and sustain the formation of a task force. We remember why task forces are relevant and encouraged via a result of Savannah's Act. Chris also emphasizes the importance of assessments, data and how that can give communities a head start on the pulse of what activity is going on and how to find solutions.

Second workshop in our hosted series with Christopher Cuestas from the National Violence Prevention Resource Center. The "meat and potatoes" of how to construct a functional and effective MMIW/MMIP Tribal Task force. Link to the presentation slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OqhL...

Here is the basis to what can be accomplished through a Tribal Community Task Force that focuses on MMIW/MMIP. Learn what stakeholders are, what are the best approaches and the different types of task forces there are. Chris Cuestas of the National Violence Prevention Resource Center teaches this workshop hosted by the War Cry Podcast.

Chris tells us about how he started his path being a detective and someone who generally helps resolve issues of violence in various communities. Strategies communities and families can take in order to address MMIW/MMIP, human trafficking, gang violence and why identity is important for safety. Chris also shares with us a successful MMIW case he was able to be apart of and help bring a woman home to her family.

Jim shares how he started as a paramedic, then later elected to Yakima County Coroner. He shares how knowing more about various cultures helps inform the work he does and is always open to learning more. Jim is also open to speaking to families about any questions they may have in his process such as what he is required to do. He also informed us about the devastation of the opioid crisis in the Yakima Valley.

Ellie shares her presentation on Montana MMIP cases. National and Montana State based legislation and how that ties into MT Tribal task force processes and resources. This episode is a great way to get some real answers on how to contribute to the cause and movement of MMIW/MMIP in any community. As well as educting youth on the issue and how to keep aware and safe.

Two dynamic Indigenous women join the disucssion today. Rose Quilt (Yakama) and Paula Julian (Filipina), they share resources from their organization Nation Indigenous Women's Resource Center. As well as give all neccessary historical context as to why these discussions and healing practicies are needed. MMIW missing posters info, tool kit and grass roots community movement.

We are sharing the names from the WSP list of missing from the Yakama Nation area and other tribal cases in which families have requested. This includes a review the history, policy, and lasting impacts

Guest Connie Walker, Cree Indigenous Canadian, award-winning investigative journalist, and podcast host. Connie gives not only her own personal journey into telling indigenous stories but also the history of the 60's scoop in Canada. She also gives perspectives on working in the United States and learning about various issues in the US and the similarities with Canadian issues. Connie turns the tables on us and asks the War Cry Team about self-care and how stories about MMIW are received. As we all want to work towards more Indigenous voices in the media and be respectful to our communities. Resources were shared on how to report in Indigenous communities. Links below. https://riic.ca/the-guide/ https://gimletmedia.com/shows/stolen https://www.cbc.ca/radio/findingcleo

Techaminsh Oytpamanatityt, The Ancient One, also known as Kennewick man, an important figure and literal ancestor to many tribal members in the Pacific Northwest. Replicas of his skull are currently being sold for $389. Upon learning this, the War Cry team asks, what is the importance of indigenous DNA? Our Bones? Our living bodies? We see action made when a profit can be had, but what about the many delays in process in cold cases, MMIW and MMIP cases?

Tammy Ayer, reporter for the Yakima Herald Republic. She discusses her reporting on MMIW/MMIP cases in the Yakima Valley and on the Yakama Reservation. Tammy also covers Parker Doe, a case that has been in the process of discovering the identity of a young women who was murdered in 1988 in the uncoorperted area of Parker, WA. https://www.yakimaherald.com/special_projects/vanished/ https://www.yakimaherald.com/thevanished/lower-valley-human-remains-discovered-in-1988-to-be-exhumed-for-dna/article_95cf3f9a-00f8-11e9-a888-3311744297ba.html

Alicia Tobin from Crime Stoppers goes over the various ways community members can give tips anonymously. Given the fear of retaliation or being exposed, Alicia goes over how even Crime Stoppers wants to keep your identity anonymous and the various ways you can do this online, via an app or calling in. http://www.crimestoppersyakco.org

Nichole Pebeahsy (Comanche), probate specialist discusses helpful tips and resources for families in dealing with probate. Her favorite True Crime podcasts and personal ties to MMIW and her passion to help MMIW/MMIP families during this process.

War Cry team roundtables again in connecting boarding schools to the 1910 Dusky Maidens In Demand article/episode to papal bulls, manifest destiny, and religious institutions. Discussion around acknowledgning indigenous people as a neccessary knowledge source outside of what is taught in schools. Also how does the Godfather III work itself into this conversation?

War Cry Team catches up with each other after a year of quarantine. Updates on stories we have been following, the Vanessa Guillen case and the findings of children at Residential and Boarding schools.

Guests are Seattle City Councilmember Debra Juarez, Blackfoot, and staffer Negheen. Discussion around the City of Seattle's response to the MMIW/G crisis. Acknowledging the various tribal communities and valuable relationships in Seattle, King County and Washington state. Various War Cries to the Seattle Native Community. Brining out strong emotions around MMIW/G and MMIP. Reflections on the red hand print symbol and its deeper meaning. Racial misclassification and how the true crime community needs to see how important this is. Empowering, uplifting and encouraging native women. As well as using humor and accepting our auntie statuses.

Carolyn's mother has been missing for 21 years. This experience and the support of her community has led her to being a powerful advocate for MMIW and MMIP families. She is currently the Project coordinator for Puyallup Tribe's Human Traffickiing Project and the founder of Missing and Murdered Native Americans on Facebook.

Josiah Hilderbrand went missing in June of 2019. Over a year later his remains were found near the Yakama Reservation, manner of death suspected to be homocide. His mother Liz was proactive in starting a social media campaign to help aid in the search for Josiah. She speaks to her journey not only to the Reservation where he was discovered, but also to her journey of self care, finding a caring community in the Yakima Valley, and sharing her experiences to hopefully help others going through similar circumstances.

In this episode, we ask questions about reporting true crime on the Yakama reservation involving Native Americans. Our guest Phil Ferolito has 20 years of experience as a reporter for the Yakima Herald-Republic, which is one of the few newspapers in the country to maintain a list of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. We ask Phil about his communication with the FBI and various Law Enforcement agencies. When did he become aware of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People? Did Journalism school prepare him for this? Phil lives in the Lower Yakima Valley, specifically the Yakama Reservation. #MMIW #MMIWG #MMIP #WarCryPodcast #Yakama #YakamaNation #YakimaValley #YakimaHeraldRepublic

War Cry team shares community feedback from last episode and photos of Tony Peters.

Anthony Peters (Yakama) was last seen at the Yakama Nation Legends Casino October 2014. His nána (older sister) Alfreda, talks to War Cry about her brother, his personality, his story and what she hopes will happen with his case. Please contact Yakama Nation Tribal Police if you have any information or if you remember the last time you saw him: (509)865-2933 Case #15-006132.

Abigail Echohawk (Pawnee) is the director of Seattle Indian Health Board's research branch, the Urban Indian Health Institute. She discusses being prayed for by ancestors, being colonially underserved, data as story, and how the absence or mis-categorization of Native peoples in data is an act of genocide. Also discussed are UIHI's reportw, its response from the community and institutions involved.

War Cry Team interviews George Lee Jr. (Pah Tuuthlah) about his mother’s 2003 unsolved murder in Seattle, Washington. Sandra Lee Smiscon’s was named in a report regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Join us as we talk about the events surrounding her death & her life. George’s talks about family life, the history of MMIW through the Yakama War & the long wait for justice. Trigger warning to our listeners, we discuss violence and abuse. Please take care while listening. If you have any information regarding this case please contact: Seattle Police Department Homicide Tip Line: 206-233-5000

Updates on Atwai Vanessa Guillen and traditional Yakama terms of endearment and respect for those who have gone on. Oklahoma and reservation land status. We want to hear from you. Leave us a comment or contact us www.warcrypodcast.com

Why haven't the War Cry team covered any cases yet? Aren't they a true crime podcast? Why don't Native and Indigenous people report the wrongs going on around them? What is gaslighting ? Can you gaslight history? Racism? Native and Indigenous people experience distrust and comments like "GET OVER IT!", and “Why do you keep bringing up old stuff?”. The War Cry team explores all these questions and want you to chime in. Mentioned in this episode:  - Body found in burned White Swan home, FBI investigating by Action News StaffWednesday, June 24th 2020 (https://kimatv.com/news/local/body-found-in-burned-white-swan-home-fbi-investigating) -Five Things About Violence Against AIAN Women & Men https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/five-things-about-violence-against-american-indian-and-alaska-native-women-and-men -What is ‘racial gaslighting’ & why is it so damaging for people of colour? https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/18/what-racial-gaslighting-why-damaging-people-colour-12866409/ -11 Warning Signs of Gaslighting https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201701/11-warning-signs-gaslighting -Chase Darkness with Me: How One True-Crime Writer Started Solving Murders Hardcover – August 13, 2019 - By Billy Jensen -We Fear Not - Yakama (FB page): https://www.facebook.com/WE-FEAR-NOT-Yakama-110053637426211 -Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/violence-against-american-indian-and-alaska-native-women-and-men -Yakama Nation Review: https://www.facebook.com/TheYNReview/

Updates on local cases, resources and the Presidential task force's posting. Some resources mentioned in this epilogue: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) https://www.strongheartshelpline.org https://operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov https://www.niwrc.org

What is Operation Lady Justice? On June 3rd, 2020, the Presidential Task Force for MMIW/P held a virtual listening session focusing on the Northwest regions. War Cry team members discuss what this means for missing and murdered.

War Cry team explores the historical connections between this 1910 National news article about Yakama women and its present day connections to MMIW.

Trailer and introduction to our podcast team! Emily, Lucy, Robyn and Patsy. We are discussing anything related Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Children Men and LGBTQ 2 Spirit community. Our focus will primarily be (but not limited to) the Pacific Northwest. If you have a story you would like to share please contact us: WarCryPodcast.com and WarCryPodcast@gmail.com.