Sindy Ruperthouse disappeared 10 years ago. Her family is still waiting for answers #MMIWG

'We just want to know,' says father of missing Algonquin woman

Rachel Watts · CBC News · April 27 2024

Sindy Ruperthouse was last seen on April 23, 2014, in the Val-d’Or hospital in northwestern Quebec. (Submitted by Johnny Wylde)

In 10 years, Johnny Wylde has never changed his phone number.

He says he never will.

It's the same one he had on April 23, 2014, the day his daughter, Sindy Ruperthouse, went missing.

Even though a decade has passed, he still keeps the ringer on, the phone glued to his hip.

"She knows what my number is if she's still alive," said Wylde, taking a pause. "I don't know what to think."

All Wylde wants to hear is Ruperthouse's voice on the other end of the line — a woman his family remembers as a caring big sister who loved life and made her parents proud.

American Indian Law Alliance partners with National Institute for Law and Justice to address MMIR crisis

 

RNS Press Release Distribution Service

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a groundbreaking move, the American Indian Law Alliance (AILA) on AUGUST 22 2023, announced its partnership with the National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ) to intensify efforts in solving cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR).

Since its inception in 1989, AILA has championed the causes of Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations, tirelessly advocating for sovereignty, human rights, and social justice. Their profound expertise in these realms will synergize with the capabilities of NILJ, which was established in 2021.

NILJ’s primary mission is to provide investigative support—at no cost—for victims and their families, enabling them to present their individual cases for expert review by decorated retired NYPD homicide detectives and a network of forensic and investigation specialists.  This includes current and cold MMIR cases, ensuring justice and closure are achievable for all, irrespective of financial barriers.

“What sets NILJ apart from other organizations is that they are committed and are passionate about doing the work of bringing our relatives home and investigating these cases,” said Gaeñ hia uh, Betty Lyons (Onondaga Nation, Snipe Clan), Executive Director of American Indian Law Alliance. “In their retirement, these dedicated men are choosing to bring some sense of closure to these mourning families.”

Detective Mark Pucci, Founder and CEO of NILJ added, “This partnership with AILA is pivotal in our dedication to reach and help Indigenous families who otherwise might not know about our organization.”

Together, NILJ and AILA will address the MMIR crisis and bring resolution to families whose loved ones are missing and/or murdered. Their efforts will spotlight the struggles of Indigenous communities and advocate for legislative and policy changes at the national level.

The organizations invite public engagement, urging policymakers, stakeholders, and the community at large to rally behind this crucial mission.

To submit a case for review, family members whose loved ones are missing or have been murdered are encouraged to visit https://nilj.org/contact-us or call 1-833-FIND-ME.

AILA and NILJ are passionate about working together to help support the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit folks, and all Indigenous Relations coming home. 

“The Two Row Wampum belt treaty reminds us that we are traveling down this river of life side-by-side with one another,” added Betty Lyons. “Let’s work together to reunite families.”

About AILA: The American Indian Law Alliance (AILA), established in 1989, as an Indigenous, non-profit, non-partisan organization. AILA collaborates with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations to advocate for sovereignty, human rights, and social justice, steadfastly championing the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle Island. For more information, visit https://aila.ngo/.

About NILJ: Founded in 2022, the National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ) offers victims, their families, and loved ones the opportunity to present their missing persons and homicide cases—at no cost—for expert review, bridging financial gaps and ensuring professional investigations. The nonprofit organization is committed to unveiling the truth, serving justice, and providing closure to all affected parties. For more information, visit https://nilj.org.

StrongHearts Announces Blue Campaign Collaboration #MMIR #HumanTrafficking

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR)

MMIR Intersects with Human Trafficking

 

(EAGAN, Minn., June 24, 2023) – 

“We recognize that the crisis of our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) intersects with human trafficking and that eradicating violence against Native people hinges upon our ability to educate the public,” said CEO Lori Jump, StrongHearts Native Helpline. “That is why we are embracing a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign.”

The Blue Campaign is a public awareness campaign created to educate the general public, law enforcement and industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. DHS Blue Campaign works closely with other DHS components and various partners to develop general awareness training, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization of human trafficking.

DHS Blue Campaign and StrongHearts Advertising Campaign

Blue Campaign and StrongHearts’ are collaborating on advertising efforts between the months of July and September 2023 to be distributed throughout the state of Washington. More importantly, StrongHearts and DHS staff will develop training for StrongHearts advocates on best practices when responding to Human Trafficking.

“We are diversifying training for StrongHearts advocates to enable them to better serve the needs of our people,” Jump added. “Washington is a progressive state that has implemented a Missing Indigenous Person Alert (MIPA) as well as launched a cold case unit for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Engaging in this partnership with the DHS will help to eradicate violence against our relatives.”

Expanded Reach

The DHS partnership expands the reach of StrongHearts by creating another avenue for spreading awareness that culturally appropriate support and advocacy is available for Native Americans experiencing human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence. It’s a collaboration that will open lines of communications between Native centered service providers and our relatives who need help.

The Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), law enforcement, and state/local authorities to maximize national public engagement. Blue Campaign’s educational awareness objectives consist of two foundational elements: prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.

Recognizing Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is an exploitation-based crime against a person that involves force, fraud and/or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act - victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Key indicators can include:

● The person appears disconnected from family, friends, and community.

● The child stopped attending school.

● The person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior.

● A juvenile engages in commercial sex acts.

● The person is disoriented or confused/showing signs of mental or physical abuse.

● The person may have bruises in various stages of healing.

● The person is fearful, timid, or submissive and shows signs of neglect.

● Someone else seems to be in control of where they go or who they talk to.

StrongHearts Can Help

If you are experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual violence, StrongHearts advocates can help by providing: peer support and advocacy, personalized safety planning, crisis intervention, referrals to Native-centered service providers; and support finding health facilities and crisis centers trained in the care of survivors of sexual assault, general information about jurisdiction, and legal advocacy referrals.

Serving all individuals who reach out for their services regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other factor protected by local, state, or federal law, StrongHearts Native Helpline can be reached by calling or texting 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or by online chat at strongheartshelpline.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

To report suspected human trafficking, please call DHS tip line at 1-866-347-2423. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).