Michelle Elbow Shield, age 26, went missing on September 27, 2023. It is believed she was in the Sioux Falls, SD area and was last seen.Michelle has light brown eyes and brown hair. She is 4' 10" and weighs approximately 100 pounds. Michelle also has tattoos, one is a butterfly on her left ankle, an infinity symbol on her left arm with the names Michelle and Cody Red Wing and a heart with devil horns behind her right ear. Michelle was last seen wearing a black, blue and gray sweater and black jeans.Sources:https://www.bia.gov/missing-murdered-cases/michelle-elbow-shield#:~:text=Profile&text=Michelle%20Elbow%20Shield%20went%20missing,blue%20sweater%20and%20black%20jeans.https://www.kotatv.com/2024/01/18/police-seek-pine-ridge-woman-missing-since-october/https://www.greatplainstribalhealth.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women.htmlhttps://missingpersons.sd.gov/https://www.newscenter1.tv/news/pennington-county-missing-persons/article_ac0ebdda-bc78-11ee-8bbd-2380e5b4bb58.html

In April 2023, the body of 16-year-old Ruby Sky Montelongo was discovered in a vacant lot in Covelo, California. Her death came three weeks after the death of 20-year-old Round Valley Man. With the rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous people skyrocketing in Northern California, Round Valley Indians Tribes have declared a state of emergency. Sources:California girl, 15, suspected of killing another teenager | AP News‘They took everything’: an Indigenous town rocked by the killings of young people | Indigenous peoples | The GuardianGirl, 15, suspected in killing of girl, 16, as NorCal town reels (sfgate.com)MMIW: Ruby Sky Montelongo - The Cherokee One Feather (theonefeather.com)California tribes ask lawmakers for help to stem violence - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)15-Year-Old Girl Booked for Murder as a Suspect in the Killing of Covelo Teen | MendoFever – Mendocino County NewsRound Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation - Wikipedia

Esther Wolfe, a 25-year-old South Dakotan woman was shot and killed on February 21st 2024, in what news reports have called a public execution. Her story prior to her death had been one with filled unimaginable pain and overcoming the most harrowing of circumstances.Sources:https://www.blackhillsfox.com/2024/02/28/states-attorney-esther-wolfe-death-was-public-execution/?outputType=amphttps://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/2nd-man-arrested-in-connection-with-death-of-esther-wolfe/amp/https://www.kotatv.com/2024/03/05/second-suspect-involved-death-esther-wolfe-appears-court/?outputType=amphttps://www.siouxfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Esther-Marie-Wolfe?obId=30866952

In February 2024, a South African man living in Alaska was found guilty of the brutal deaths of two Alaskan Native Women - Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk. The details of their deaths are horrifying and deeply disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Sources: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/022224-Smith.htmlhttps://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/02/23/brian-smith-found-guilty-14-charges-related-murders-2-women/https://people.com/brian-steven-smith-murder-conviction-two-women-alaska-8598994https://heavy.com/news/2019/10/kathleen-j-henry/https://www.ktoo.org/2024/02/23/jury-makes-quick-decision-in-the-brian-smith-murder-trial-convicting-him-in-the-deaths-of-two-native-women/

She was called Mighty Mia. In 2007, at 18 years old, she was embarking on her freshman year of college at the University of Arizona and excited about the new chapter in her life. A member of the Navajo Nation, Mia had dreams to become a doctor and return to her tribe to help her people. She never got that chance.Sources:https://tucson.com/news/blogs/police-beat/life-sentence-affirmed-in-2007-ua-homicide/article_9fbce65d-cf7a-5cb7-9c77-cc9d8527d4b1.htmlhttps://www.nhonews.com/news/2008/sep/16/remembering-mia-henderson/https://murderpedia.org/female.H/h/harrison-galareka.htmhttps://navajotimes.com/news/2008/1108/112508harrison.phphttps://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/former-ua-student-gets-life-in-dorm-stabbing/article_a72779e6-fb82-5db7-9c1a-213cf52f22cd.htmlhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21398968/mia-janelle-henderson

Bryanna Rayne Ducheneaux Clown was 22 years old and on the cusp of doing great things in her community in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, however, her promising young life was cut short in October 2023 and her family is demanding answers.Sources:https://kbhbradio.com/women-from-eagle-butte-found-dead-near-terry-peak/https://www.blackhillsfox.com/2023/11/07/eagle-butte-woman-found-dead-near-terry-peak/?outputType=amphttps://www.keslingfuneralhome.net/obituary/bryanna-ducheneaux-clown

In 2020, the body of Susanna “Sue Sue” Norton, 30, was discovered in an ex-Alaskan Mayor's house, beaten and strangled. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be homicide. If this sounds familiar, it's because it's the same property where two years earlier the body of 25-year-old Jennifer Kirk was found. There have been no arrests made in either case.Sources:https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/11/21/for-families-in-northwest-alaska-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths-and-suicides/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12740427/alaska-mayor-sons-girlfriends-dead.htmlhttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23911794-pra-response-of-kpd-cok-august-3-2023-for-kyle-hopkins-adn-jennifer-kirk-death-investigation#document/p8/a2374340https://www.propublica.org/article/for-alaska-families-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths

In 2018, the body of 25 year old Jennifer Kirk was discovered an ex-mayor’s property in Alaska with police swiftly closing the case declaring her death a suicide. Her family believes otherwise as Jennifer had allegedly been involved in a tumultuous relationship with the ex-mayor’s son.Sources:https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/11/21/for-families-in-northwest-alaska-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths-and-suicides/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12740427/alaska-mayor-sons-girlfriends-dead.htmlhttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23911794-pra-response-of-kpd-cok-august-3-2023-for-kyle-hopkins-adn-jennifer-kirk-death-investigation#document/p8/a2374340https://www.propublica.org/article/for-alaska-families-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths

Four years ago, on New Year's Day in 2020, Selena Not Afraid, 16, vanished at a rest stop in Big Horn County, Montana. Her body was discovered almost three weeks later in a field less than 1 mile from the rest stop where she was seen. We are revisiting her story, as her death was ruled accidental from hypothermia, yet the circumstances around her death remain suspicious, and her family is still searching for answers.Sources:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CGgSZvJFlGzmXGtaXDFZO?si=5xflVo6hRTuTJ1xbybRGhwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5100SUTb9VtUpZvNBngO1R?si=4a9887d73a464721

In August 2021, Mercedes Hernandez, 19, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence in Milwaukee, WI. The man who shot her, 21-year-old Renzo Rascon-Gamboa, has eluded custody and remains on the run.Rascon-Gamboa has been allegedly spotted in Veracruz, Mexico. If you know of Rascon-Gamboa’s whereabouts, please contact the Milwaukee Police Department, District 2, at (414) 935-7360.Sources:Milwaukee man accused, double shooting on city's south side (fox6now.com)Arrest warrant issued for man accused in double shooting on Milwaukee's south side (cbs58.com)Renzo Rascon-Gamboa Charged With 1st-degree Reckless Homicide For The Fatal Shooting On August 26 That Left A 19-year-old Woman Dead And Another Injured | Hispanic News Network USA Blog (wordpress.com)https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mAwwlMBwGA24vDCBM1eiO?si=3Sdu9eWqSRGtVI7qVLrPmg

On September 10th, 2001 the body of 15-year-old Jessie Marie Twilight Song Crooks was found 5 miles from her home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. To this day, her case remains unsolved.Anyone with information on the murder of Twilight Song Crooks is encouraged to call the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 1-270-842-1633.Sources:FacebookHelp still needed to solve slaying of Twilight Crooks | Our Opinion | bgdailynews.comhttps://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/our_opinion/help-still-needed-to-solve-slaying-of-twilight-crooks/article_5e67f92b-278a-5d0a-8909-f3a9ec84f62b.html#2: Who Killed Twilight Crooks? – Crackin' a Cold One (wordpress.com)A teenage girl was found dead after a mysterious phone call. Two decades later, the case is being reopened | The IndependentTHE LONG WAIT | News | bgdailynews.com

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 the Cherokee Indian Police Department, FBI, and BIA made an arrest in connection to the murder of 26 year old EBCI enrolled member Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. It’s been 10 years since her body was found inside a burned vehicle on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina with no arrests or charges. We have been waiting for this day.

Today's episode is different. We had the opportunity to look back on past cases and talk about what we've learned over the last two years of hosting We are Resilient. What have we learned? There's still so much more work to be done.

On May 5th, 1987, 24-year-old Christine Lester left her home in Arizona to go shopping and was never heard from again. It would be 36 years after her disappearance that her family would receive the news that her remains were discovered on a rural road in California.We have an update on Jamie Yazzie, a young mother who went missing in Arizona in 2019!For links to information founds for this episode:Remains found in 1987 identified as Christine Lester, Navajo woman who had "explicit" letter sent to her - CBS NewsDNA identifies missing Navajo Nation woman as homicide victim found in California (azfamily.com)Christine Lester’s body returns home with somber escort - Navajo TimesChristine Lester – The Charley Projecthttps://www.koat.com/amp/article/new-mexico-arizona-jamie-yazzie-missimg-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw-mmip-koat-outcry/45349570

Your favorite “We Are Resilient” podcast hosts are here with a brand new podcast! We talk, laugh and ramble on about all things Indigenous and spooky!Follow us @sgiliqueenspodcast 

In April 2015, 30-year-old Jessie Waters' lifeless body was discovered just off Hwy 18 just south of Oglala in South Dakota. Even though her life was marred by domestic violence, there are still no arrests made in connection with her death, and her family is still seeking justice. For links to information found for this episode:https://indianz.com/News/2019/01/28/native-sun-news-justice-for-jessie.asphttps://indianz.com/News/2015/017805.asphttps://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/11865215/Jesie-Watershttps://www.nativesunnews.today/articles/family-wants-justice-for-murdered-oglala-woman/https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/ways-to-support-a-domestic-violence-survivor/https://ncadv.org/why-do-victims-stayhttps://apnews.com/article/drug-crimes-sd-state-wire-south-dakota-crime-law-enforcement-307069e11354966bbec6ce9625246237

In February 1979, Mona Lisa Two Eagle was last seen leaving her home on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota only to be found two weeks later murdered in a field. Her family is still seeking justice.If you have any information regarding the murder of Mona Lisa Two Eagle please contact the BIA OJS MMU at 1-833-560-2065.For links to information found for this episode:MOU 2022 FBI BIAEquity Action Plan Summary: U.S. Department of the Interior (whitehouse.gov)CREC-2017-10-05-pt1-PgS6361.pdf (congress.gov)Mona Lisa Two Eagle | Indian Affairs (bia.gov)When the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis Hits Home | Teen VogueThe Unsolved 1979 Murder Of Mona Lisa Two Eagle 

In May 2016, 11 year old Ashlynne Mike and her 9-year-old brother were playing together on the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, New Mexico  when a man they didn’t know — drove up in a van and offered them a ride home. The events of that day led to Ashlynn’s abrupt and violent end, call attention to the jurisdictional issues surrounding the failed AMBER alert that could’ve saved her.For links to information found for this episode:https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/five-years-after-ashlynne-mikes-death-family-seeks-proper-headstone/#:~:text=On%20May%202%2C%202016%2C%2011,19%2C%20leads%20country%20in%20vaccinationshttps://www.ojp.gov/archives/ojp-blogs/2019/legacy-ashlynne-mikehttps://www.daily-times.com/story/news/crime/2017/08/01/begaye-pleads-guilty-ashlynne-mike-killing/529899001/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a19561163/ashlynne-mike-amber-alert-navajo-reservation/https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/navajo-nation-girl-assaulted-killed-after-man-kidnapped-her-while-she-was-playinghttps://www.amberadvocate.org/amber-feature/ashlynnes-law/https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/suspect-navajo-nation-tom-begaye-kidnap-murder-ashlynne-mike-navajo-nation/https://www.nhonews.com/news/2019/jun/27/man-who-murdered-ashlynne-mike-wants-life-prison-t/

On October 3rd, 2016, Larissa Lone Hill, 21, texted her cousin that she was leaving the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to head over to Rapid City with two male friends. She has not been seen or heard from again.Larissa has brown hair and brown eyes. Her nickname is Rissa and she may use the first name Lisa. She has identifying tattoos that include “Luda” on her knuckles, a bear claw with writing on her wrist, and the words “Mom” and “Lisa” somewhere on her body. She also has scars on the left side of her face.In 2020, the criteria for the $5,000 award was changed and is now offered to anyone who can provide information as to where Larissa’s body is located.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Larissa Lone Hill please contact the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4134 or call the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police at 605-867-5111.For links to information found for this episode:Larissa Lone Hill – The Charley ProjectMissing: Larissa Lone Hill | Rapid City , SD | UncoveredCOLD CASE: Looking for Larissa Lonehill | KELOLAND.comTrue Case Files: The Disappearance of Larissa Lone HillIndigenous people point to 'Missing White Woman Syndrome' in Gabby Petito case (greatfallstribune.com)

On September 19th, 1984, two Indigenous girls from South Dakota were kidnapped as they were hitchhiking along a highway in Wyoming. While one of the girls survived, 12-year-old Sharon Baldeagle has never been seen or heard from again. For links to information found for this episode:Sharon Baldeagle | International Missing Persons Wiki | FandomJudge Dismisses Murder Charges in Missing Girls' Case (oklahoman.com)Sharon Baldeagle True Crime News: It’s Been 35 Years Since Sharon Baldeagle Was Last Seen in Casper (crimedoor.com)Girl Tells of Escaping Man in Wyoming (oklahoman.com)The Disappearances of Charlotte Kinsey & Cinda Pallett – Stories of the UnsolvedGreeley case shows how missing-child investigations evolved | AP Newshttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-billings-gazette-sandi-brokenleg/39398091/https://www.newspapers.com/article/rapid-city-journal/130353219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/argus-leader/130353654/https://www.newspapers.com/article/rapid-city-journal/130354456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/rapid-city-journal/130356582/https://www.newspapers.com/article/rapid-city-journal/130359721/Sharon Baldeagle – The Charley ProjectWrong information leads to heartache and frustration for father of missing person Sharon Baldeagle - West River EagleMissing, murdered Native women: S.D. law aims to help, understand issue (argusleader.com)