March 7, 2025

Operation Spirit Return: Healing for Indigenous Families

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Operation Spirit Return is a cooperative initiative in the U.S. aiming to address the tragic cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Partnering with Othram, a forensic laboratory, the program seeks to utilize advanced DNA technology to provide closure to families who are grappling with the loss of loved ones. This initiative highlights the staggering statistics surrounding this crisis and the importance of collaborative efforts at both the community and national level to seek justice and restore hope.

Operation Spirit Return: A New Hope for Bringing Closure to Families

There’s a growing initiative taking center stage in the United States, named Operation Spirit Return, which is aiming to resolve the heartbreaking cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This operation is a collaborative effort between Othram, a specialized forensic laboratory, and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Their goal is clear: they want to use advanced forensic technology to bring some peace to families still processing their loved one’s disappearances or deaths.

How Does It Work?

Othram is a Texas-based laboratory that is accredited in handling forensic cases. They have a nifty process that can take DNA evidence from unidentified remains or even from crime scene samples and turn it into human identities. This means that any case sitting cold in the files could potentially be reopened if DNA evidence is available. Michael Vogen, who directs case management at Othram, has highlighted their in-house process for analyzing DNA, which often leads to new investigative avenues and, hopefully, resolution for families affected by these tragic cases.

A Stark Reality

Let’s pause for a moment and consider the numbers. Back in 2016, there were over 5,000 reports of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, and a staggering 98% of these cases never even made it to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. That is a chilling statistic that exhibits the chilling history of injustice faced by these communities. Oklahoma, in particular, has the third-highest number of missing Indigenous persons in the country, with at least 329 reported cases lingering without answers.

Spotlight on Aubrey Dameron

One of the most recent cases that have shocked the community is that of Aubrey Dameron, a Two-Spirit woman of the Cherokee Nation, whose remains were found earlier this year, six years after she vanished. Aubrey disappeared after leaving her home in Oklahoma in March 2019. After a long and heartfelt search, tragic news came when her remains were discovered near a lagoon. This case is a stark reminder of the violence that Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities face, and it exemplifies the vulnerabilities that exist.

Collaborative Efforts for Justice

As investigations continue, the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the FBI are all heavily involved in trying to solve Aubrey’s case. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief has shared heartfelt support for families affected by these tragic incidents, recognizing the pain they’ve endured.

Action on a National Level

There’s also movement at the legislative level, with the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations recognizing the dire need for better resources and collaboration for addressing the crises of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. Proposed legislation, such as the Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act, is designed to improve data collection and provide more resources for families searching for answers.

A Bright Future and Social Awareness

Looking ahead, the Cherokee Nation has made plans to work alongside Othram starting in spring 2025, which has instilled hope among families still waiting for closure. Furthermore, tribal officials are leveraging social media as a potent tool for raising awareness and seeking justice for those missing and murdered. By enhancing public awareness and encouraging community participation, there’s optimism that solutions can be found.

Keeping the Conversation Going

The fiscal year 2025 House Interior Appropriations bill aims to increase funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, strengthening public safety and justice initiatives. It’s encouraging to see collective efforts to tackle this pressing issue and bring about a brighter future for Indigenous communities.

In conclusion, Operation Spirit Return is more than just a forensic initiative; it’s a beacon of hope for families seeking answers, justice, and closure. The technological advances combined with strong community advocacy stand as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of unthinkable tragedy.