Restoration Magazine

Fourth Annual #JusticeForKaysera

By Kelsey Foote, Tlingit, Director of Communications, NIWRC

In August 2019, 18-year-old Kaysera Stops Pretty Places was tragically murdered in Big Horn County, MT.

Years later, a grim shadow of inaction still looms over her case, with no criminal investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Department of Justice. This failure to act has spurred Kaysera’s family, in partnership with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and the Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI), to institute an annual commemoration in her name, coupled with an impassioned call for justice, not only for Kaysera but for all missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) — the #JusticeforKaysera campaign.

This year marks the fourth annual #JusticeForKaysera campaign, spanning events from August 25, the day after Kaysera’s disappearance, through August 29, when her body was discovered, concluding on September 11, the day her family received the heartbreaking news of their loss. 

Key events included both in-person gatherings and virtual, nationwide events:

  • A Say Their Names billboard dedication followed by an in-person rally held in Hardin, MT, uniting the community in support of the family’s pursuit of justice.
  • A Twitter storm led by NIWRC that invited public engagement and spotlighted Kaysera’s case, highlighting the government’s lack of action.
  • A webinar,“Four Years Later: Kaysera’s Family Continues to Fight for Justice,” where NIWRC, Mary Kathryn Nagle, and Kaysera’s family discussed the status of Kaysera’s case and the fight for justice.
  • Two luminary events held by SBI, one in Hardin, MT, and another in Lame Deer, MT to shed light on the struggles of families who have directly witnessed the MMIW crisis, surrounding them in support.
  • Daily reminders in which Kaysera’s family encouraged individuals to send letters or written communication to the elected and appointed leaders in the Montana and United States governments.
  • The Pretty Eagle Woman 5k/1 mile Walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all communities, organizations, and individuals who joined us.

Together, we stand united in honor of Kaysera to ensure that her story and countless others are never forgotten. Thank you for being a crucial part of this ongoing journey towards justice, healing, and remembrance.