Arizona Implements “Turquoise Alert” System for Missing Native Americans
Arizona has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of missing Native Americans by launching a new alert system. This comes after the tragic case of a young girl from the San Carlos Apache tribe, whose disappearance and subsequent death highlighted the need for swift action.
With the recent signing by Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona joins several other states in deploying alert systems specially designed for Native American cases. This initiative echoes the pioneering efforts started by Washington state in 2022. Similar systems have been implemented in states like Colorado and California, while New Mexico introduced the “turquoise alert” and North Dakota adopted a “feather alert,” each drawing from culturally significant symbols.
The Arizona legislation, also known as “Emily’s Law,” is named in honor of Emily Pike. Pike’s remains were tragically discovered over 100 miles from the Mesa group home she had left in January. Her death has reignited efforts to raise awareness about the disproportionate number of Native American disappearances and violent deaths, leading lawmakers to amend the bill to include her name.
On the House floor, bill sponsor Rep. Teresa Martinez expressed her sorrow over the lack of immediate action in Emily’s case: “It breaks my heart that we, the state of Arizona, didn’t even go looking for this little girl. No one looked for her. We cannot let children go missing without somebody being alerted.”
Martinez’s family ties to the Native American community, through her great niece who is part of the Gila River Indian Community, emphasize her personal connection to the cause.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also played a role, voting to establish a new national alert code for broadcasting messages about missing and endangered individuals through various media, including television and wireless phones. The FCC noted that in 2023, over 188,000 individuals did not qualify for Amber Alerts, with Native American, Alaska Native, and Black communities making up a significant portion of missing cases in the U.S.
In addition to the “turquoise alert,” Arizona’s system will provide a coordinated response for missing individuals under 65, particularly those from federally recognized tribes, if law enforcement suspects danger or suspicious circumstances.
“Like my sister says, even though she’s not here with us, she’s still making a difference,” said Emily Pike’s uncle, Allred Pike Jr., in a recent interview.
Emily Pike’s case has also prompted scrutiny of the Arizona Department of Child Services’ group home regulations, as her mother, Steff Dosela, revealed it took a week for her to be informed of her daughter’s disappearance.
The FBI has announced a reward of $75,000 for information leading to those responsible for Pike’s disappearance and death, complementing the $75,000 offered by the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
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