Senator highlights Operation Not Forgotten for missing murdered indigenous persons in Alaska

In a week marked by heightened awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, a recent government meeting brought critical discussions to the forefront. The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations convened to review the President's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with a particular focus on initiatives aimed at addressing unresolved violent crimes in Indian country.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opened the session by reflecting on the painful stories shared during marches held across the state, from Anchorage to Nome. These events commemorated the struggles of families whose loved ones have gone missing, often without adequate law enforcement support. Murkowski emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to bring closure to these cases, some of which have remained unresolved for decades.

The senator highlighted the expansion of "Operation Not Forgotten," a program designed to investigate these cold cases. She pressed for details on how the proposed budget would support this initiative, seeking reassurance for her constituents that their concerns would not be overlooked.

FBI Director Christopher Wray responded with a commitment to treat crimes in Indian country with the same urgency as those elsewhere in the nation. He shared his recent meetings with tribal leaders and families affected by these tragedies, including a poignant encounter with the parents of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old girl whose remains are still missing. Wray underscored the FBI's dedication to prioritizing resources for these cases and fostering closer collaboration with tribal law enforcement.

As the meeting progressed, Wray outlined steps being taken to enhance the FBI's presence on reservations and engage directly with Indigenous communities. He invited tribal leaders to nominate law enforcement officers to work alongside the FBI, aiming to strengthen ties and improve responses to these critical issues.

The discussions during this meeting not only shed light on the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons but also highlighted the federal government's commitment to addressing these injustices. As the budget request moves forward, the hope remains that it will provide the necessary resources to support families seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.