Annual MMIP/MMIR march May 4 in Riverton

“May the force be with all our missing murdered indigenous relatives” is the theme of the 2025 march in Riverton.

The first march was in 2019. It was organized by Nicole Wagon. She has been an advocate and the voice for Missing/Murdered indigenous people across the USA and Canada.  Her daughters Joselyn and Jade were murdered. Joselyn in 2019. Jade in 2020.  

This year’s march starts at noon in the School District #5 superintendent office. The address is 121 N. Fifth Street West. It ends at the Riverton city Park at 901 E Fremont Ave. 

 Wagon recently introduced “MMIR 307” (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives)  as the new organization addressing the issues on the Wind River Reservation and beyond.  Wagon said changing the name and adding 307 was done to help define the movement and personalize the location. Wyoming’s only area code is 307. 

  Wagon says “We are calling on our Wind River community and all supporters to stand with us in remembrance and resistance. We march in honor of our stolen sisters, brother and two-spirit relatives.” 

The logo of MMIR has a turtle, eagle, feathers, red handprint and a circle. Each are symbolic as are the colors. Wagon explained, “The outer circle represents the Medicine Wheel, a powerful symbol of balance, unity, and interconnectedness, inspiring hope and harmony among all living beings. 

“The four colors - black, red, yellow, and white - stand for the four directions, stages of life, seasons, and elements of human nature, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life. 

“The Eagle soars above, symbolizing protection, strength, and a profound connection to the Creator, lifting our spirits and guiding us toward a brighter future. In many Indigenous cultures, the eagle carries prayers to the spirit world, watching over the people with kindness and compassion. 

“Turtle Island appears under the eagle, representing Mother Earth and the lands Indigenous peoples have called home since time immemorial, grounding us in our rich heritage and history. The turtle is a powerful symbol of creation, perseverance, and endurance, inspiring us to stay strong and resilient in the face of challenges. 

“The Red Handprint stands for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), honoring the memories of those we have lost and calling us to action in pursuit of justice and remembrance. The Women, Men, and Two-Spirit people - a visible reminder of those lost and a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

“The Spiral within the hand represents healing, growth, and the journey toward restoring balance and wholeness within Indigenous communities, illuminating the path forward and guiding us toward a more harmonious future. 

“The Feathers around the Medicine Wheel add further meaning: each color and feather stands for honor, truth, and the prayers carried on the wind, uplifting our spirits and carrying our prayers to the heavens. 

“Together, this logo tells a story of protection, remembrance, healing, and hope for all generations connected to the Wind River Reservation and beyond. MMIR 307 is a beacon of support for all women, men, and two-spirited relatives of the Wind River Reservation, which consists of two federally recognized tribes which are The Northern Arapaho Tribe and The Eastern Shoshone Tribe of Wyoming, shining a light of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.” 

On March 4, 2025 Stephanie Bearstail, a high school student, died on the Wind River Reservation. She was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Rendezvous Road. She died from injuries after “exiting” the SUV. The manner of death is listed as “undermined.” There are several theories about how that exit came about. It is still under investigation.  The Wyoming Highway Patrol had removed her death from the Wyoming fatalities data base. They stated that her death was an “intentional act.” 

Those going to the march are asked to wear red. #RememberJade. #RememberJoselyn. #RememberRudy #RememberStephanie