Running For Justice RECAP
Picture Credit: @acinthemind
Thank you to everyone in our community who showed up to support Rising Hearts for our 8th Annual Running for Justice runs. We are so grateful for the community we have! Together through movement, to honor, uplift, and send prayers for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, their families, and for the advocates within these spaces - their dedication and their heart work to support the families, communities, the advocacy and finding solutions to end this epidemic.
Thank you to everyone that hosted an in person run or screening of She Cried That Day. We are so happy we partnered with the filmmakers to bring it to more spaces especially on such an important week of remembrance and action!
In 2021, we were able to raise $75,000+! This is all thanks to the many participants that supported this event and campaign for awareness, and our Indigenous communities. We were able to donate over $30k to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, $16k to Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains, as well as nearly a dozen $1500 - $600 donations to multiple MMIR families, advocates, survivors and organizations, doing the heart work to fight for justice and end this violence. In 2022, we were able to donate just over $21k to NIWRC, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, Sovereign Bodies Institute and more. Let’s do that again this year and reach our big fundraising goal to give back! And in 2023, we raised $18,000 that we were able to give back to the heart work to.
We’ve Raised:
2019: $6,890
2020: $12,700
2021: $77,723
2022: $21,187
2023: $18,237
2024: $6,416
2025: $6,472
2026: $2,625
We have many voices doing this heart work to advocate and fight for a better future for our next generations. We continue to educate, advocate, create content, uplift, and build community to work towards that future together. This epidemic of violence has impacted our communities, across colonial borders, and is impacting so many families, whose stolen relatives have been erased, who are invisible (outside of Indigenous communities), families and relatives who experience racism on so many levels, and continue to not get the platform and space to be seen, heard, and fought for. We can change that. Be in community with us! Join us for this run/walk/event and be sure to join us in all the virtual events that are being organized for the week of action that you can participate in and learn from.
We had 153 participants.
16 Two Spirit / X participants.
115 Female participants.
29 Male participants.
10 Virtual/In Person Teams.
We donated $875.30 (each) to National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and to the family of Emily Pike.
- Rising Hearts
She Cried That Day
Look out for more screenings!
Follow She Cried That Day film on Instagram: @shecriedthatday
113 Mile Relay - Team Rising Hearts
May 5th - 113 Mile Relay Run for Emily Pike and all MMIWGP
Seven Rising Hearts runners ran a 113 mile relay in Harrisonburg, VA, to raise awareness and run in prayer for Emily Pike and all MMIWGP. They completed 117 miles total for the day.
❤️ @rosaliefishx @lathriftingvegana @calicurls5 @brandondugi @stretchmurphy @amandapresgraves and @nativein_la, ran 113 miles for Emily Pike and all MMIWGP ❤️🪶
Jordan’s words:
We ran together as friends, as athletes, as community, on May 5th National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Peoples.
We began with a pasta dinner and screening of @shecriedthatday the night before. We smudged before we slept, to clear our mind, to bring forward only good energy and medicine.
We started our morning with a 4am wake up call. Got to the park in Bridgewater a little after 5am. We smudged and prayed again. And my dear friend @medicine.bear.23 and his partner Giovanna, shared some songs, and drums to start us off in a good way.
Then, we started all together, for the first 2 miles. In this big first section before our park loops, we all had the chance to run by ourselves. Run in prayer. Run for Justice.
As we ran across the lands, we cheered each other on. Encouraged each other. We were not alone. We had each other. And we were here for Emily Pike, for all MMIWGP, for all the families searching for their loved ones and fighting for justice, for survivors, and capturing this whole journey.
Thank you, friends, for making the journey to be here. Some just ran a marathon a few days before or coming out of a long break from running. And I appreciate each of you.
This crisis of violence is happening to Indigenous Peoples. Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Indigenous women. And our community is more than data or numbers. Indigenous Peoples are incredible, they are thriving, and they deserve to be here and to not be dehumanized. Help elevate and support!
Thank you @whsvnews for interviewing us and documenting to keep Emily’s name in the public and all MMIWGP.
Thank you @devinwhetstone @andrewdevierscott @acinthemind for documenting + supporting!!
Thank you @valleyptandsports for supporting the runners!
Run Refections 113 miles for Emily Pike
Rosalie Fish
I could never have predicted how impactful running with this group would be. Everything was done with so much intention - from the route, the team, the baton, and the filming. I hadn't anticipated running more than 15 miles, and surprised myself with the overall distance I ran (18.3). The first 2 miles felt incredibly grounded in our cause and each other. The 6 miles I ran by myself were very reflective, and I spent most of it concentrating on how I wanted to show up for Emily, MMIP, and the other runners. The 4.4 mile loops were where I started to feel physically achey, but connecting with Karla and Jordan during those loops kept me distracted from any aches and kept me appreciative of the fact that none of us were doing it on our own this time. We kept the last 1.5 miles paced and unified. When Chaske finished the last home stretch, it was a touching reminder that we don't only run for the Native kids who never got to grow up - but also for the Native kids who will inherit our world. All of our children deserve a world where they can grow, connect, and be themselves without fear of being targeted. One day, we'll have to pass the baton of challenging injustice onto them, hopefully with less work to do than we had.
Cali Curley
It was an honor to take part in the 113+ mile relay in honor of Emily Pike and all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. With a crisis as large as MMIWP, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find meaningful ways to take action. At times, I feel like I am not doing enough to make a difference. This relay, however, provided a powerful opportunity for healing, reflection, and raising awareness about this ongoing crisis.
Before the relay began, we made time for song and prayer. This helped set our intentions for the day, and we carried those songs and prayers with us throughout the entire journey. We began running at dawn, in alignment with the teachings of my Diné culture… which includes rising early to run in prayer for the health, wellness, and healing of our families, communities, the land, and all of her inhabitants.
Everyone ran strong and steady throughout the day, but the most meaningful part for me was that we started and ended the relay together, in unity. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pray with my feet alongside my friends, in honor and memory of relatives who never made it home.
The 113 miles symbolized the journey Emily took in her effort to return home. Although she did not make it back, we completed those miles for her. We pray that the miles we ran helped guide her spirit home to her family and loved ones. Running is a powerful act, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to do this work with Rising Hearts and all of the collaborators involved.
Stretch Murphy
Being part of the 113-mile Run for Justice for Emily Pike was one of the most meaningful running experiences I’ve ever had. Traveling from Ohio to Virginia to join the Rising Hearts team is something I’m incredibly grateful I was invited to do. When I agreed to run I didn’t fully understand what the experience would become.
It quickly became apparent that this run was much deeper than I initially expected. The only running experience I can compare it to is participating in the 51-mile relay from Selma to Montgomery that commemorates the 1965 Civil Rights March.
All 7 runners showed up to honor Emily Pike, whose story has become another heartbreaking reminder of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis, and to help bring more awareness to the epidemic impacting Indigenous communities across the country. Mile by mile, we carried that responsibility together.
My favorite part of the experience was the start of the run. The morning began with a 5 a.m. drive through darkness and silence before everyone gathered together for a drum song just before sunrise. Then we all ran the first two miles together as the sun slowly came up. It felt sacred. In that moment, it was impossible not to feel the weight and purpose of why we were there.
The scenery throughout the run was beautiful with lush greenery, open farmland, tough rolling hills, and so many farm animals scattered along the route. There was something powerful about running through such a peaceful, scenic area while carrying the emotional weight of the 113 mile run for Justice.
As a Black American, sharing this experience alongside Indigenous relatives was especially meaningful. Hearing firsthand stories from people whose families and communities have been directly impacted by MMIWR deeply moved me. Bonding with teammates throughout the weekend and listening to their experiences meant everything to me. There was pain, solidarity, healing, and moments of joy present throughout the journey. It reminded me how important it is for communities to stand beside one another, especially in moments rooted in grief, justice, and remembrance.
In the weeks leading up to the run, I spent time learning more about Emily Pike’s story. What happened to her was heartbreaking. No person, especially a child, should ever be discarded or forgotten the way she was. I cannot imagine the suffering she endured or the pain her family continues to carry while still searching for answers and justice.
Throughout the run, whenever the heat, fatigue, or exhaustion set in, I kept thinking about Emily. Every mile became bigger than the discomfort. Her story pushed me forward and reminded me why this run mattered.
I truly believe this run created more awareness for Emily Pike and for the countless Indigenous families impacted by this crisis. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it, and my heart remains with Emily, her family, and every community affected by the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
Awareness cannot end when the run is over. We have to continue listening, learning, and speaking up for Indigenous communities.
Say her name. Share her story. Emily Pike.
Brandon Dugi
Just days after running the Shiprock Marathon, I found myself surrounded by a powerful, loving, and inspiring group of people coming together to run 113 miles. Raising awareness not only for Emily, but for her family and the many other families living through this crisis.
This experience was unlike any other. It was beautiful, powerful, and deeply meaningful. Along the way, I reconnected with friends from past events and met many new ones who quickly felt like family. Together, we shared countless miles, ate good Indian tacos, and consumed plenty of popcorn.
What stood out most to me was the community that Rising Hearts continues to create. They do such an incredible job of making people feel safe, seen, and supported while doing meaningful work for our communities. Through this experience, I learned more about who I am and gained a clearer understanding of why I run.
This is what it’s all about, and I already look forward to the next time we all come together again.
Jordan Whetstone
What a day. First, I want to thank Mary Kim Titla, who has been a friend and a connector for me. Since Emily was taken from this world, I was able to connect with Mary Kim as she was supporting the family so much in 2025. All of my runs and races in 2025, were dedicated to Emily Carla Pike. We were able to donate a couple thousand dollars towards the billboard fund that the family organized to find her killer. And more recently, Mary Kim and Jolene, have helped connect me with Emily’s uncle, Allred Pike. Leading up to this last minute prayer run, I was able to get on the phone with Allred. I was able to learn from him. Hear how this process has been for the family. I could hear the pain. I could hear the discomfort. Being a runner, being a filmmaker, I wanted the opportunity and blessing to document this 113 mile prayer run and to include Emily’s family members. Sharing this with Allred, he understood. And to my relief, he was grateful that we are all running for Emily, and telling a story that can help elevate and honor Emily’s story, in hopes we find justice. I got off that phone call, and was frozen for a minute. It’s been incredibly hard to talk with family members. I’ve been doing it since 2019. I wish I could talk to every single MMIWP I have run for. However, I am truly grateful for the ones I have connected with. It’s heavy. It’s never easy. But it was important for Allred to know that we honor and value Emily. And that this short film, can be a tribute to her, while bringing attention to her case and to all MMIWGP.
The 113 miles we planned for, began the moment we all met each other at dinner when everyone arrived to my hometown. It was to break the ice, to connect, to chat, and to build a comforting and trusting foundation for what we were about to do. Over the next couple of days, it was a chance to run and move together. To have this movement, crisis and voices be heard on our local Shenandoah Valley news station. I normally run and do something by myself or with my husband on May 5th to honor this crisis, all MMIWGP, and the movement. However, this past year has been rough. A lot of doubt, anxiety and depression, questioning what am I doing, in an industry and spaces that are sometimes, so damn hard to be in. The lateral violence and oppression, the gatekeeping. It’s been really hard to want to keep Rising Hearts going. Then I remember the memories. I remember the events. And what made those so special, are the COMMUNITY we are part of. The runners we support and connect with. So, instead of doing this by myself this year, I invited some friends and teammates to be part of this, and I am so happy and grateful they all said yes! So, these couple of days leading into the run, we all connected, had team dinners, and had cute, precious moments with my children, and basically everyone became, Auntie’s and Uncle’s. The night before the run, we had dinner and watched SHE CRIED THAT DAY, a film I highly recommend watching. This was an opportunity to learn from more families. To be reminded, what this crisis and movement is. And then we smudged everyone before we went to sleep, to clear out anything negative, and have the right intentions to start this prayer run.
An early wake up call for all of us, we headed to the park where we begin this journey. It began with us running the first 2 miles together. It began with prayer. It began with drumming and singing from Lance Fisher and his partner Giovanna. Who have sang and drummed for us at a few of our events in Washington DC in the last few years. We all took turns running our legs of the run by ourselves. I think it was perfect for us to have that chance to move alone, reflect, and witness what was going on around us. Once we completed the first 36 miles to the park, we ran in doubles, a 4.4 mile loop until we reached 113 miles, and ran the last 1.5 miles together, where my son, Čhaské, ran the last quarter mile with us. He’s always been part of this with me. He’s joined on stroller runs, events, panels, races, and more, as it’s important to me, that our children, see what I do, see what’s important, and to be surrounded by community, who will protect him, protect them, and who are doing the work for their generation and the next generations. There were hard moments. We were there for each other.
This day was emotional, and as hard as it was to know why we were doing this, we also felt joy. We had lighthearted moments. Moments of laughter. Connection. And it’s been so special to reflect about and still remains, such an important day in my life. Wopila tanka, many thanks to Rosalie Fish, Karla Estudillo Fuentes, Cali Curley, Brandon Dugi, Daryl Murphy, and Amanda Presgraves for saying yes, and for making this day so special and sacred. It was emotional to share with Allred Pike, our run, photos, and the news link to view to see what we are doing for Emily and all MMIWGP. It was great to say, we finished for Emily.
BIG THANKS to Ahmed to capturing the day through photos!!
ALWAYS grateful and thankful to my husband for being part of this and documenting the day.
THANK YOU to Andrew, for helping to document the day as well!
THE CRISIS
The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples is a silent / invisible, international crisis. It is happening across Indian Country on Turtle Island (North America) and extends beyond colonial borders, to our southern relatives, Central and South America - Eagle and Condor.
To be honest, this violence, racism, and oppression is happening to Indigenous and marginalized communities all over the world. To frontline communities feeling the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, from the rivers here in the US to Palestine, to land - air - water protectors defending their people, lands and communities against big oil - resource extraction and dirty infrastructure projects that places higher value on profit over the wellbeing of the people and lands.
We must continue to amplify the movement led by families, advocates, and survivors. We must bring an end to this crisis.
Indigenous Peoples go missing 3 times:
1.) In life: The fight for justice and accountability, becomes that much harder for loved ones. When their loved one goes missing or is found unalive, they should be grieving, instead, they are fighting for answers, they are organizing search & rescue, fundraising, and are the boots on the ground when law enforcement and other agencies are not taking these matters seriously until it’s too late.
2.) In the media: The misrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples happens too often - long history of racism, oppression, genocide, stereotypes, hypersexualization and fetishization of Indigenous women, girls and Peoples since 1492. The media’s responsibility is to REPORT the facts, help amplify, and HUMANIZE the missing or murdered Person.
3.) In the data: In 2016, 5,712 Indigenous women and girls were reported missing and ONLY116 were logged into the Department of Justice database. Accurate documentation and reporting needs to be reflected - Congress/Government, sadly needs “data” which = HUMANS, to get the fire lit in prompting any sort of action like policy, allocation of funds and resources, trainings and more.
The More You Know:
+ In 2016, 5,712 Indigenous women + girls were reported missing, 116 were reported into the DOJ Database (Urban Indian Health Institute)
+ 86% of Indigenous women will experience violence in their lifetime + Under-reported, under-funded
+ Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native peoples
+ 84% of women and girls experience violence in our lifetime
+ 84% of Alaska Native women experience violence + rape cases for AK native women are 2.5 times higher than any other group in AK
+ 56% of women and girls experience sexual violence
+ 86% of perpetrators are non-Native people
+ Indigenous people are dying 10 times higher than any other race or group
+ Jurisdictional loopholes, making prosecution difficult
+ Institutionalized racism within law enforcement agencies that prevent them from taking immediate action in supporting the families
SOLUTIONS
+ Anti-racism training for Law Enforcement Agencies
+ Allocation of funds / resources for Families, Advocacy Organizations
+ Policy - Savanna’s Act, Hanna’s Act, Not Invisible Act, Nationalizing Red Alert System
+ Proper training on working with Indigenous families and community and reporting when a loved goes missing
+ Funds for healing / mental health support for families, survivors and advocates and Safety Training + Planning (preventative)
Ways to Show Support:
Wear red / hang red dress on your porch, tree outside or window
Donate to MMIWP families, organizations and advocates
Gift a care package to an MMIWP family
Amplify MMIWP families, organizations, advocates, + resources
Download a report, watch a webinar (NIWRC, Sovereign Bodies Institute, Urban Indian Health Institute, MIWSAC, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, Tribal Law and Policy Institute)
TAKE ACTION
1.) CENTER INDIGENOUS FAMILIES AND THEIR LOVED ONES.
2.) Amplify and donate if you can.
3.) Volunteer for the families and advocacy organizations.
4.) Create Content to Boost the Movement: If you’re trying to bring visibility to a person, try to get in connection with the family. Make sure information is accurate.
If you’re trying to create visibility for the movement and those putting in the work, reach out to the advocacy organizations, learn from them, participate in their events and engagement opportunities. Collaborate with them.
5.) On May 5th - WEAR RED.
6.). Continue spreading awareness about the epidemic of violence against Indigenous Peoples all throughout the year.
7.) Follow Indigenous Peoples on social media. Boost their platforms and voice.
8.) Be an ally, a co-conspirator.
WATCH
+ SHE CRIED THAT DAY by SeesClearlyProductions & Vision Maker Media, Director by Amanda Erickson
+ Murder In Bighorn (3 part Showtime docuseries): Watch here
+ Finding Ashley: A Native American Family’s desperate search for their missing relative (Ashley Loring Heavyrunner) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PubiIdVO7-w
+ Me, Hereafter (Hulu series) - Savanna Lafontaine Greywind
+ The Search: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women – The Fault Lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdPv0NDfMbA
+ Two Spirits - Fred Martinez: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/twospirits
+ Silent No More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdjXyUPXtZs
+ Between The Lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOXyGJuRMmo
+ Indigenous Women Keep Going Missing in Montana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib0GDAPeymo
+ Searchers: Highway of Tears - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz63Vppw3gE
+ Blackfeet Boxing: Not Invisible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnjUwjGD37U
READ
BOOKS TO READ:
Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch (Now to become a series adaptation soon by Paramount+, by Sterlin Harjo & Erica Tremblay)
The Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance by Leanne Betasamosa Simpson
Stolen Sisters: The Story of Two Missing Girls, Their Families, and How Canada has Failed Indigenous Women by Emmanuelle Walter
Red River Girl: The life and death of Tina Fontaine by Joanna Jolly
Forever Loved: Exposing the hidden Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada by Lavell Memee.D Harvard
Kwe: Standing with our Sisters by Joseph Boyden
Obstruction of Justice: the Search for Truth on Canada’s Highway of Tears by Ray Machaulko
LISTEN
1. The Red Justice Project Podcast
2. Stolen:The Search for Jermain Charlo, Trouble in Sweetwater and The Search for Jermain (By Connie Walker)
3. Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo & Alberta Williams (By Connie Walker) Season 1 & 2
4. Not Invisible – Native Womxn on the Frontlines Podcast by Red House Series
5. Blood River (shows the connection between violence against the Earth and Peoples and Berta Caceres)
6. For The Wild (episode about MMIR and MMIR/Connection to Violence Against Earth): Running in Prayer with Jordan & Funding Fossil Fuels, and Femicide with Roxanne White & Rachel Heaton
7. Crime Junkie Podcast: Highway of Tears episode, Women of Juarez episode, Amber Tuccaro episode, Faith Hedgepeth episode and more!
8. Up and Vanished: Season 3 - Ashley Loring Heavyrunner
TAKE ACTION with NIWRC / Shareable Resources for you via NIWRC:
+ MMIWGP Fact Sheet to Learn more and see it through Data: https://www.niwrc.org/resources/resource-tool/fact-sheet-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-relatives
+ Explore MMIW Toolkit for Understanding and Responding to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women for Families and Communities.
+ Learn more about the crisis of MMIW with the Restoration Magazine Special Edition: Missing and Murdered Women
+ Share StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) with relatives facing domestic, dating or sexual violence. Online chat is available at strongheartshelpline.org.
+ Read “Advocacy in Action: 6-Point Action Plan” by NIWRC
+ Find MMIW State Legislation with the MMIW Legislative Tracker
+ Sign petition to declare December 6 as the International Day to End Femicide
+ Learn more about Savanna’s Act: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip/SavannasAct
+ Learn more about Not Invisible Act: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/not-invisible-act
+ View War on Indigenous Women: A Short Guide for Journalists Reporting on MMIWG