Annual Justice for Kaysera MMIR Awareness Rally
Chloe Ortega: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer | September 9th, 2024
A handmade sign set-up in front of the Big Horn County Building. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Tribal Council Web Designer & Public Information Officer
On Thursday, August 29th, 2024, devoted supporters gathered for the Annual Justice for Kaysera MMIR Awareness rally, it took place in front of the Big Horn County Building in Hardin, Montana. Participants, proudly wearing red shirts and accessories, assisted each other as they worked together to hang up posters, signs, and banners that conveyed messages of solidarity and support for the vital movement raising awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
Supporters holding signs on the sidewalk for drivers. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Tribal Council Web Designer & Public Information Officer
A post from Pretty Eagle Woman Resources recounts the day:
Justice is Coming!!
What an incredible turnout for our Annual Justice for Kaysera MMIR Awarness rally. We are profoundly grateful to the families who courageously shared the stories of their loved ones. With each event, more families come forward, refusing to let their voices be silenced.
Those responsible for our MMIR loved ones' deaths, along with the institutions and officials who do not believe that Native lives matter, want us to forget and move on. But we must keep their stories alive, speaking their names and pushing forward for justice, change, and the safety and dignity of our people. Together, we are powerful, and we will ensure their stories are never forgotten.
A special thank you to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council and Healing Hearts for their support.
Supporters standing in solidarity. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Tribal Council Web Designer & Public Information Officer
One of the meaningful artworks displayed prominently is a beautifully beaded landscape that represents Kaysera Stops Pretty Places. The following description sewn into the back of the artwork provides further insight into its significance and story.
A beaded landscape for Kaysera Stops Pretty Places. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Tribal Council Web Designer & Public Information Officer
Aumie ( Auntie Mom)
Kaysera Stops Pretty Places
Big Horn County, Hardin, MT
Reported missing August 24, body found August 29th, my sister Geralyn her mother, went to Bullis Mortuary as we were told a body of a young woman had been found. Geralyn was told it wasn’t her.
During the time that Kaysera was “Missing”, my grandbaby had reached out to the air in this time saying “Aumie”
Also, I noticed geese kept flying by everywhere more than normal. Geese, flying by honking… getting my attention.
Holding my granddaughter Montaya, as we were at the Plenty Coups Honor Day, Plenty Coups State Park, Pryor MT first weekend of September 2019
This was the 3rd time she randomly held out her arms to the air saying “Aumie.” We were looking at the Castle Rocks this day. Montaya was two and a half years-old, just now learning to speak.
I started to get concerned, some children can see what others amt not. As Kaysera was still missing. My daughter Aspen is also called Aumie by Montaya. So, I would say “Aumie is at school” or “Aumie at home”
On September 11, 2019, in the morning I went outside with my Tobacco and Prayers. A flock of geese in the field flew off while I was thinking of Kaysera and asking her to let us know where you are?”…
I walked in the house and got the phone call that Big Horn County had out Kaysera. I learned on the call that she had also been identified weeks earlier. They knew. They knew since August 29th that they had our Kaysera. August 29th is also my sisters Geralyn birthday. This is the day that when she went to Bullis Mortuary that day to confirm that it was her. They told her NO.
Geese have many spiritual meanings: Guidance, Strength, Loyalty, Life lessons.
The Castle Rocks of Arrow Creek, this view is the south side- known also as the Pryor Gap.
My Heart, my baby girl, my niece I helped raise and called me “Mom”
Justice for Kaysera
Cedar Bulltail
Hand beaded landscape
2024
A close-up of the beaded landscape for Kaysera Stops Pretty Places. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Tribal Council Web Designer & Public Information Officer
All those individuals present during the event shared their collective strength and support towards those who spoke during the rally, conveying a powerful and resounding message to speak their names and honor their stories. For more detailed information about Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, her ongoing case, and ways in which you can contribute to the movement, please take the time to visit Kaysera Stops Pretty Places.
