Tony Stenhouse calls for action on missing Native American children in Klamath, California

A powerful plea for justice and awareness echoed through the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting as Tony Stenhouse, a Downriver Native American, urged officials to take action against the alarming rates of violence and disappearance affecting Native American communities. Stenhouse's emotional address highlighted the tragic cases of two young individuals: 12-year-old Davante Jones, who was shot and left without justice, and 14-year-old Emily Pike, whose remains were found weeks after she went missing.

Stenhouse called for an end to the silence surrounding these issues, emphasizing the need for community support and vigilance against human trafficking. "We need you to listen," he implored, stressing the urgency of addressing the systemic neglect faced by Native American women and children. His remarks were underscored by frustration over the lack of accountability in local law enforcement, as he pointed out that the only suspect in Jones's case was released despite community awareness of the circumstances.

In a poignant moment, Stenhouse criticized the meeting's atmosphere, noting that staff members were wearing Star Wars-themed attire, which he felt trivialized the serious nature of the discussions at hand. "This was a serious matter," he stated, urging the board to be more mindful of the messages they send.

As the meeting continued, Stenhouse's call to action resonated, leaving a lasting impression on attendees about the need for greater awareness and proactive measures to protect vulnerable members of the community. The board's response to these urgent concerns remains to be seen, but the message was clear: the time for change is now.