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Maleeka “Mollie” Boone, a Navajo girl who’d gone missing in the community of Coalmine near Tuba City, Ariz. marks the second time an alert system has been used in search of a Native American since its implementation last year.
As KJZZ’s Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, that search is now over.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office confirmed that Boone’s body was found on Friday following a multiagency search that included law enforcement authorities from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagstaff Police Department.
“To learn that this search has ended in loss is a pain beyond words.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren took to social media to share his condolences – not just for Maleeka, but also 3-year-old Karson Apodaca, who was killed during a Christmas parade.
“In just the past few weeks, with the tragedy in Kayenta and now this heartbreaking news from Coalmine, our Nation has endured tremendous pain. These moments remind us just how sacred our children are and how deeply connected every life is within our Navajo community. May we honor Maleeka’s spirit by cherishing and protecting every child across the Navajo Nation.”
The investigation into Maleeka’s death is being handled by the FBI and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations.
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On the opening day of the New Mexico legislative session Tuesday, a protest was held at the state capitol in Santa Fe.
KUNM’s Jeanette DeDios (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) spoke to Indigenous people at the event.
Hundreds of New Mexicans rallied and marched up the steps towards the Roundhouse.
Oglala Sioux Nation member John Swift Bird led the march with other Native drummers.
“The energy always, always gets to the people. People have always resonated to the singing and to the energy of it.”
He’s been advocating back and forth between New Mexico and South Dakota ever since the 2016 protests in Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Longtime activist Elder Kathy Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo) gave a blessing and told attendees to not give up.
“Every thing that is brought forth in a good way will survive, because all of us are not giving up on each other.”
Siihasin Hope from the Mescalero Apache and Diné Nations is an advocate for the Southwest Solidarity Network and Revolutionary 2 Spirit Collective.
Hope is advocating for land and water protections and says it’s important for Indigenous people to understand and exercise their rights.
“It’s the only reason that we have them, is because people before us, our ancestors before us, have fought for us to be here. Have fought for us to have the right to, you know, live.”
She wants lawmakers and the governor to continue upholding tribal consultation on Native issues and says she and other advocates will continue to fight for tribal rights.
Photograph and MMIP activist Amanda Freeman stands before two portraits on January 14, 2026. (Photo: Brian Bull / KLCC)
The founder of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People organization is sharing the faces of those affected by the crisis.
KLCC’s Brian Bull (Nez Perce) reports on a new exhibition in Salem, Oreg.
Amanda Freeman founded Ampkwa Advocacy and has displayed nearly three dozen photos of Native people who have lost a relative or have suffered domestic violence or addiction.
It’s titled, “Ampkwa: munk lush nsayka shawash tilixam”, which means “Healing our Indigenous relatives.”
Red hand prints and a long red trailing dress adorn the walls and wrap around each portrait.
Freeman says she wants visitors to leave with one impression.
“I would like them to remember that we’re not disposable. And actually leave with the mindset of, “Let me share this information because I had no idea. Because any awareness is good awareness.”
A reception and artist’s talk will be held January 28.
The exhibit runs through February 6 at the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College.
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