Vanished: America's Missing Indigenous Women | Unreported World

Summary

The video follows the alarming crisis of missing Indigenous women in the U.S., focusing on South Dakota where the rates are disproportionately high. It highlights Lissa Yellerberg Chase, a private investigator with personal experience in this issue, who searches for Susan Fast Eagle, a Native woman missing for five months. The investigation delves into the systemic neglect by authorities, jurisdictional barriers, and the vulnerability of Native communities. Despite the lack of institutional support, women lead the movement, driven by deep connections to family, culture, and survival, in a bid to find their missing loved ones.

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Q & A

Why are indigenous women particularly vulnerable to going missing in the U.S.?

Indigenous women are vulnerable due to a combination of factors, including systemic neglect, lack of accurate data, jurisdictional issues between state and tribal police, poverty, homelessness, and historical trauma. These factors contribute to a higher risk of violence and trafficking.

What role does Lissa Yellerberg Chase play in searching for missing women?

Lissa Yellerberg Chase is a private investigator who has been searching for missing women for over 13 years. She uses her experience, including cadaver dogs, to help find missing indigenous women, and her work has been crucial in high-profile investigations, including helping the FBI prosecute the men who killed her niece.

What are some of the challenges faced by police in Rapid City when investigating missing indigenous women cases?

The police in Rapid City face challenges such as a lack of resources and specialized training in dealing with homelessness and addiction. Additionally, there are jurisdictional issues between state and tribal police that slow down investigations, and police often prioritize other cases over those involving indigenous women.

What is the significance of the 'red moss' lining the creek in the search for Susan Fast Eagle?

Lissa Yellerberg Chase observes the red moss lining the creek and interprets it as a symbol of the bloodshed that has occurred in the area, emphasizing the sacredness of the land and the tragedies that have taken place there, including the disappearances of indigenous women.

What are the jurisdictional problems that slow down investigations on reservations?

Jurisdictional problems arise because state and tribal police forces operate under different laws. The U.S. Constitution prevents them from crossing certain boundaries, making it difficult for them to collaborate fully on cases involving missing indigenous women. This can lead to delays in investigations.

Why do some campaigners believe that cases involving missing indigenous women are not properly investigated?

Campaigners believe that cases involving missing indigenous women are not properly investigated because of systemic racism and institutional neglect. They argue that police resources are often directed elsewhere, and that indigenous women are not given the same level of attention as white women.

What impact does historical trauma have on indigenous communities, particularly with regard to trafficking?

Historical trauma, including forced displacement, poverty, and the sexual exploitation of indigenous women by colonial forces, has left deep scars on indigenous communities. This trauma has created vulnerabilities, making indigenous women more susceptible to trafficking and exploitation, a practice that dates back to when they were forced into camps and sold for survival.

How has Lissa Yellerberg Chase’s personal background influenced her work?

Lissa Yellerberg Chase’s personal experiences with addiction, living on the streets, and run-ins with law enforcement give her a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the communities she works with. These experiences fuel her passion for helping others, especially families of missing women.

What is the significance of the quote, 'Look at the moon, because we share the moon and the stars,' said by Susan Fast Eagle's family member?

The quote highlights the emotional connection and hope that Susan Fast Eagle’s family has, despite her disappearance. It symbolizes their bond and a shared sense of love, even in the face of uncertainty about her fate.

Why is it important for women to lead the movement to find missing indigenous women, according to Antoinette?

Antoinette believes it is important for women to lead this movement because they are the life-givers in indigenous culture. Women have a biological and spiritual connection to those who are missing, and their leadership embodies the roles of daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers in these efforts.