Seven Years Missing: The Unwavering Search for Jermain Charlo and Justice for MMIW

The Disappearance of Jermain Charlo: A Community's Fight for Justice in Montana Missoula, Montana – Jermain Charlo, a 23-year-old member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, vanished on June 15, 2018, after leaving a bar. Her disappearance highlights the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in the United States. Seven years later, Charlo remains missing, but her family and community refuse to give up hope. Photographer Jen Murphy, who has participated in several volunteer searches for Charlo, launched a powerful billboard campaign across Montana. "I try to have billboards as close to our reservations as possible," Murphy explains, "trying to make sure that, speaking to the perpetrators, too, like… we see you." The billboards feature a striking image of a woman with a red handprint over her mouth, symbolizing the silencing of Indigenous voices. Charlo's mother, whose name was not mentioned in the video, shared her frustration with the lack of urgency in the initial investigation. "When I reported her missing," she recalled, "there was no sense of urgency. I don't know if it's because she's over 18, or because she was drinking, or the fact that she was Native American." Murphy's work and the unwavering determination of Charlo's family serve as a powerful reminder of the need for justice and increased awareness surrounding MMIW cases. The campaign offers a glimmer of hope, demonstrating the strength and resilience of a community fighting for answers and recognition.