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March 17, 2025Calls for Action at Vigils Honoring Emily Pike
Editor’s Note: This story contains sensitive subject matter that readers may find upsetting.
“Justice for Emily,” they demanded as the group marched down a busy street, their unified chants carrying over the background of car horns honking in support in north Mesa, Arizona. At the front of the group, a large flag read, “No more stolen sisters.”
They gathered the evening of March 4 to remember 14-year-old Emily Pike through a vigil and walk, just south of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The young San Carlos Apache girl was last seen alive in January at that intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road near her group home.
Red handprints covered mouths, prayers sent with thin columns of smoke rose to the sky and signs calling for change loomed overhead on this Tuesday night. People of many nations approached the fence, on which hung balloons, yellow ribbons, and a banner with Pike’s smiling face and red cups spelled “Justice for Emily.” They offered songs, prayers and stories as news crews and cameras stood by documenting the response.
The tragic loss of Pike brought an echo of lingering pains for many members of SRPMIC and beyond who have felt the disproportionate impact of violence on their relatives. The vigil and walk were not sponsored or organized by SRPMIC, but it struck a nerve in Salt River such that many members, including those from faith groups like Victory Outreach were inspired to send the call out for support.
A statement from SRPMIC President Martin Harvier shared in the grief and put to words the feelings of many, “[W]e are all connected- our families, our communities, and our struggles- they are all intertwined. When one of [us] hurts, we all hurt.”
On that March 4 night, a man in a motorcycle jacket shared a memory of Emily from a few years ago, “… [W]ith my motorcycle club through Native Health we were able to purchase Christmas gifts [for Emily’s group home]. I actually got to meet her on Christmas Eve, and I remember that big smile she had as she got those Christmas gifts … I say that this hits me hard, it hits me hard also that I found out she’s my relative.”
SRPMIC Council member Su:k Fulwilder, former Council member Wi-Bwa Grey, White Mountain Apache Princess Oceaonna Little Star and Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis were amongst the hundreds of people at the vigil.
By the end of the evening, attendance had grown so much that Mesa police closed the road and helped manage traffic as the crowd overflowed into the street. Other vigils have since taken place in Mesa and across Indian Country.
One vigil on March 6 at the Encounter AZ Church had a greater emphasis on Emily herself. The service and vigil that evening were broadcast to the overflow of attendees outside, who held their candles close to keep the flames burning against the lashing winds.
The loss of Pike has been felt well beyond Arizona with many national organizations sharing social media posts that include an image of Pike and hashtags #JusticeforEmily and others.
At the time of publishing, efforts were being made through legislature to address systemic shortfalls. O’odham Action News will continue to follow updates as they become available.
A memorial was set up for Pike at the intersection where she was last seen.
A group of supporters sang a prayer for Emily Pike and the countless other relatives who have been lost.
Many who spoke with news teams at the vigil voiced their frustration with the systems that foster an environment of violence for their relatives.
The crowd grew well-beyond the capacity of the small corner where the memorial was held. Photo courtesy of Gilbert Garza.
