Ep54: Ohkomi Forensics on Indigenous DNA ~ Haley Omeasoo

Transcript

So my name is Haley Omeasoo. So I'm a second year PhD student at the University of Montana in the forensic Molecular Anthropology program. I grew up on the Black Feet reservation in Montana, and I'm also an enrolled member of the Hopi tribe and most recently I became the founder and executive director of Ohkomi. Forensics. So it is a nonprofit organization under 501C3 that works to provide forensic services to the indigenous communities based in Montana.

Thank you for being here, Haley. Thank you so much for that. I'm so excited to know more about your organization and to talk specifically dealing with missing and murdered indigenous persons crisis that is. Literally, US, Canada, something that's not being talked about and I like to bring a dire need of awareness for this and I'm glad that I get to speak with you specifically because you would be the go to person to know in details and that's the reason why as your objective and how you establish this company go as you're driving. Worse, in regards to that so. Can you tell me or actually tell the listeners about your understanding of the missing and murdered indigenous people, which is the acronym MMIP? If you're not familiar, the crisis and why it is important to address this issue.

Yeah. So the MMIP epidemic refers to our indigenous relatives that have gone missing, still have not been found. Bond there's little evidence that show, you know what may happen to them and their cases often get put on the back burner and oftentimes never solved. Or individuals that have been found that were murdered but have never received justice for their cases. And I wish I could say that this was an uncommon issue. With these types of cases, but they have been happening for decades and we don't know exactly if this is an epidemic or a pandemic, because this issue doesn't just occur in the United States, you know it's happening in other areas of the world too. So in order to help these families. Finally, received justice and closure and kind of begin the healing process. I think that it's very important that we address this issue and that we address it now.

Exactly. That's why I I love having you hear another voice who speaks out specifically on something like you mentioned. This is an epidemic, pandemic situation. This is a crisis. This is something that has been going on for generations, not just for a couple of decades. I mean. Historically, for generations, but for documentation record purposes. Because the majority of has been erased, burned, discarded, destroyed. We don't know how far back and how many people this has affected families for generations. You know, I've mentioned about Inter generational trauma and that hits across the board for all people.

Yeah.

Color specifically for the disproportionate population that we, you know, the communities that I'd like to address and to bring them to the forefront. Because we it needs to be talked about. I I don't want to have this being dismissed in the public's eye any longer. The more we dismiss it, the more we turn this blind eye that it's not really a serious matter, but it is. It's all it's been and it needs to be addressed immediately. So having your. Local mean forensics mission how do you think that your mission aligns with the needs of the indigenous communities that are affected by the MMIP crisis?

Yeah, I think right, the establishment of Ohkomi forensics, you know, our organization was motivated by real life issues and cases involving those affected by the MMIP crisis. And so we work to be able to provide forensic services and more resources to indigenous people so that we can hopefully begin to close. More cases that have been considered cold cases with modern day technology.

You know, can you explain the significance of using both Martin's forensic methods and traditional knowledge in solving cases and bringing closure to families?

Yeah, yeah, for sure. So I think that's one thing that not a lot of researchers and people in the forensics field think about is that when you're working with indigenous cases, something we have to keep in mind is cultural sensitivity and that there are traditional customs and beliefs. That we should be aware of as forensic scientists and as people being involved in these cases. And so that's something that, that Ohkomi will definitely be incorporating is that traditional knowledge and making sure that we're consulting and just aware of these customs and these beliefs when we're working with indigenous people because we want to be really mindful of all of them, we want, we don't want to cause. Be more harm you know than has been the harm that has been caused. You know, with these cases, I think that that's our top priority.

One of the things that I learned. There's two times that the person that is missing or as well as the family that's been affected by the missing the indigenous person, they are traumatized in two ways, not being, you know, not giving the recognition in regards to them being missing and then. Being dismissed in in, in media or people of different communities, not turning attention to the awareness that needs to be addressed on this missing person, something that really hurts my heart because. You know, you never rarely do you ever see anything come across and and. A lot of the. Different states had to push for the feather alert. You know, we come to the point where we have to force people to see that there is an issue. So like how how would you ensure that field services and evacuation conducted by Ohkomi forensics are culturally sensitive and respectful of the indigenous traditions and beliefs you kind of hit on that, but I'm not sure if you wanted to elaborate in that direction.

Yeah.

Of.

Yeah. So during the consultation process and you know prior to providing the actual forensic services, I think it's important to consult with the family and tribal representatives involved to ensure that we are being respectful of traditions and beliefs while searching on and excavating indigenous land. End handling of human remains, so every tribe is different and has their own traditional customs. So it's important that we're aware of those to ensure what we are doing is. OK. However, some forensic techniques such as the use of DNA are not in favor of the indigenous group that we're working with. So just making sure that we're communicating and consulting with them every step of the way to make things work so that we can bring their family member home and assist in finding out what happened to them. Like I said, is that our top priority?

Do you partner with other labs for DNA testing? Because I know this is a very particular. Like you mentioned, it's it's a very minute and how you were supposed to collect DNA because it's coming from a such a small group and sometimes it's not even available to the system, so you know. Indigenous community has been dismissed and. Loads and loads of levels, which which infuriates me on how you how the communities have been treated from the beginning. It it it? Like I said, it infuriates me that. These outside persons are doing these things to the indigenous culture and you know, taking away from the taking their culture away from the keep, taking their dance from them, taking their whole identity from them. So you know that being stated.

MHM.

With like with. Other labs for DNA test testing. How would you ensure the accuracy? The reliability. Of the DNA testing results when it comes to dealing with partners.

Yeah. So as of right now, we're still in the very early stages of getting our nonprofit up and running. We do hope to have our own lab operating within the next few years or so. But until we can do that, we'll be partnering with. DNA labs, such as University of Montanas Snow Lab, which is actually the lab that I work in as a graduate student at the University of Montana. So basically, I would ensure the accuracy and reliability of the DNA by either just doing it myself. Or being overseen by my advisor, who specializes in degraded bone DNA, and you know, she's helped to identify individuals successfully in the past as well as like assisting others and doing the DNA work to. So should we need to partner with. You know another lab for evidence collection, for example. I guess I would just make sure that I'm aware of choosing A trustworthy company or individuals that have done similar work until we can, you know, like I said, get our own lab established and bring in. Our own professional DNA analysts. With that being said, for my PhD project specifically, I will be doing or using DNA analysis to help identify individuals that are known historic historical cases, and so these individuals are unidentified. In these collections within, like teaching institutions and museums, and you know other collections and. And the way that we can do that because of how DNA has been exploited and how our tribal members have been, you know, just kind of mistreated in the past when it comes to DNA, I'll start by just creating my own DNA database that will be tribally owned. And controlled for my tribe specifically to kind of try to build that trust back and just starting there.

I was just hoping that there is someone who. I can't say it's a new thing, but it's something that's it's something that's happening it as we're talking, it's moving forward, it's progressing and you're helping it progress and you're hope. And I'm hoping that you find those that you can trust within this because this is a very sensitive. Extremely sensitive thing because it is personal.

MM.

For you as well as the community that you you work to find, you know the names of the of the persons that are. Uh, I think that was even asking like if there was a Jane and John Doe, what would be another way to identify? I think it was like. White Buffalo woman or in different in different indigenous communities. They you you know you use different.

Yeah.

Pseudonyms in regards to the Jane and John Doe. That would be awesome to find out if that's something you would do because I'm just so excited about this, this journey that you're taking on and it's it's not. It's not a small feat. On top of that so.

No. Oh yeah, and it definitely is like a lot of moving parts. And just like all these things, you have to keep in mind, you know, when trying to do this work it. And then, you know, being one of the first ones to really take take this on has definitely been a lot. And yeah, just trying to navigate all of that have has been a wild ride, but you know.

It it's so it's so worth it. It's so worth it. I'm honored that.

And to do some good work.

I'm so happy for you. You know, I I don't even know. It's like, I don't even know, like, know, you know, you. But I I I know your heart. I think that's enough for me to jump with like eagerness and joy because.

Yeah. Yeah.

You're doing something that has been like finally, finally, yes.

Yeah, I know.

Ohh, so exciting. We want to bring them all home and have their names and and have them properly respected in their culture and their communities. That is so awesome. The outcome is just that's that's the driving force right there.

Wow. Yeah. And I think it's important to like really get it out there. And you know, like coming on podcasts and talking about it, because I definitely think that we need more indigenous, you know, representation, you know, in these fields. And, you know, we just kind of keep building that momentum.

Yes, yes, exactly, exactly. So how would you build trust and bridges between indigenous communities and the criminal justice? Tom, that's another scenario. As a representative of Oconee forensics, can you please let us know what that is?

Yeah. Yeah. So I think by being a forensic scientist and then also an indigenous person that has grown up here, most of my life and understands how things work here, I try to be a leader and someone people can trust and go to when they feel like their family members. Case is not being handled. In the way that they feel it should. Be so just being someone that will listen to the people and their needs and using my network of connections with professionals in the forensics field, law enforcement and the criminal justice system to relay those messages so we can all try and get on the same page to see. How we can best assist the situation?

I think the more people know, the more people are prepared. Even though I hate to think of that in in a scenario but.

Now.

You would be the. Go to or. Or the persons that you'd be working alongside with making it happen, getting things done, making the process a success. Or at least closer than what it. What has been for?

Or.

Decades of.

Yeah, yeah. I think a lot of Ohkomi's role will just kind of be like reassessing some of these cases, especially you know these cases that are called cold cases and or can't be solved, you know, just reassessing them, looking back through all the lines of evidence. And just providing new ideas, bringing on more professionals in different areas of expertise that can assist. On on the case and you know, we're just kind of taking these on a case to case basis because they're all different and all have different needs. So I think that that's that's Ohkomi's role in that.

How do you stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in the field of forensic anthropology?

Yeah, I think I just best stay informed right now by being a graduate student and really connecting with my colleagues. And, you know, just doing research. So like I said, I'm going for my PhD right now. And so I'm around. A lot of. Other like, really great professionals that are all doing different things and we're just all sharing ideas and you know, just kind of trying to work together as well as trying to network. I got conferences and stuff like that. I think it has been. The best way.

You thank you. Can you explain how Ohkomi forensics work contributes to empowering indigenous communities affected by the MMIC crisis? Or, like you mentioned, pandemic or endemic?

MM.

Yes.

Yeah, I think with Ohkomi, forensics being one of the first, I'd probably run.

Hmm.

Forensic companies it kind of shows, you know, the younger generation and shows other indigenous people that, you know, we can be in these positions and we do belong here. We can take on this work for our people and, you know, just assessing the, the situations that we're in as indigenous people. And what we can do to best, you know, solve these these issues. And so that's one thing that I would like Ohkomi to show to the to the younger generations. You know, is that we you are capable of doing this work and you know, we got to start taking back our own data. And you know, our own research and everything like that. So I just really hope that by starting this organization. That. It sparks, you know, interest and. Umm. That other people want to, you know, go into the forensics field or want to, you know, kind of be in these leadership positions and wanting to. Help their people.

Yes, I was just thinking while you're talking like if you have like future futuristic planning a program that kind of like you know the K, the K12 program that core links with local schools and how they can get extra credits for.

Hmm.

Or particular curriculum or classes I can excel in the interest of getting into that type of feel that you are just like the next generation that.

Yeah, I know. And once we get our lab established, that's really what I'm hoping for too, is doing like summer lab camps or you know? Like.

And it's.

Having internships or something available to students and you know so that they can get into the lab and Start learning, you know these different processes and learning, you know everything that we do. In the forensics field and. Kind of spark their interest to maybe start their own company someday and I think. That would be really awesome.

That is, that will be the day that would be such a beautiful day, and I think it would be even more beautiful the day that we no longer have to do this type of shouting to the, you know, shouting to the mics and and rallying and walking and marching and showing the dresses and showing the posters and showing the people that are.

Yeah.

From the indigenous community are not being heard or not being seen. That'll be the most beautiful day. I hope I'm on this earth to see that last day where the last person of the indigenous community has finally found all of them. They claim them. They've given them respect the name, the recognition and. We don't have to have this conversation anymore, you know.

Yeah, me too. I hope that I can see that day as well. I I want to be put. Out of work well.

Yeah. Yeah, I want to be sitting. By the you know, the sun and laying the fields because you know be next to nature. Mother Nature is calling me for a long time now, but I'm out here.

Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

You know, because I have, we still have more work to be done. We have more work to be done. So I think lastly here. Give people if the listeners are wanting to know more information about your organization, how? Where can they find your information? Any resources that you could provide that the listeners can connect with you, social media or on your website will be the best way that they can reach out and and least support or contribute. To the cause.

Yeah. So my marketing manager, she's been working tirelessly on our new website. So I would say definitely check that out at Oconee forensics.com you can go there to see what services we're providing, kind of our initiative towards MMIP crisis. As well as donate if if you're able to donate and I love setting up meetings with other people to talk about things, or if you want to consult on a case that I'm not aware of, you can go there to contact me and and set up a meeting too. So.

Yeah, you should have said that 'cause. I will be contacting you, that's for sure, because I know that I've been. I'm needing to get more. Information on some of the cases that are out there that are still, you know, like you mentioned that are cold cases, some cook cases that. Only someone who comes from the indigenous community would know the name of that person or or a person who is a podcaster who they want to bring their awareness and they took the time. To respect that person in their story. UM, and that's sad because it needs to be heard everywhere until they are found. Until they are named, get their name back. So one of the stories that I and I know. We can probably quickly hit on them, but I, but I know that she wanted to choose some stories to talk briefly about specifically Disney, Ashley, Heavy runner Loring as well as art and Pepion and Jermain Charlo.

MHM.

If you want to specifically talk a little bit about their stories briefly.

Yeah. So I guess the reason why I brought these cases to your attention is because these are three cases that I have helped with and they are all out of Montana and there are many, many more cases. But actually lowering heavy runner is one that I always bring up in every conference speech that I do or. Any interview because she was my classmate and my relative from the Black Feet Reservation, and she's still missing and she's been missing for over six years now. So I'm really hoping that you know, with the start of Ohkomi forensics, she has been my biggest motivation to get this organization started. So I'm really hoping that I can give back to her by helping her family find her and, you know, bring closure to her family and healing. With Arden Pepion's case, we have also been helping. She was a three-year old, also from the Black Feet Reservation. That is still missing and so I'm really hoping that, you know, we can assist in finding her and what happened to her because that one just that her case really hits home too. Having my own children and, you know, seeing her family having to go out and search by themselves for their little girl. It's just heartbreaking. And it shouldn't have. Could fall onto the family. And with Jermain Charlo's case, you know she was around the same age that I am, and she also has two little boys that don't know what happened to her and she was missing out of the Missoula area where I'm at now. So I'm hoping to assist more on her case as well in helping find her.

Yeah, I've been. I've been following a. To the persons that you mentioned, Ashley and Jermain, now Arden is a completely new name that I didn't even hear and that's. That just tells you that a the information did not come across and that's. That's very heartbreaking, especially for a family who's looking for this three. Year old girl.

Yeah.

But I will put in my due diligence and research and make sure I give them their respect. On this podcast, even if it's an extension from our episode, I will probably have their stories individually episodes just kind of like adding to our conversation so.

Yeah, that would be great. Thank you.

I'm just so ecstatic about the mission that you have ahead of you. I am so like if I was a mother. I am so proud. Of you, I might be only than you, but I'm going to still say I'm proud of you. I don't even know if I have to be a mother to be proud of you. But I am so proud that you're doing something like this. It's making a huge.

Yeah. Thank you.

It will make a huge impression and success. I wish all of that.

Well, thank you so much for having me on a lot of fun.

Yes. It won't be our last. Believe me, I need more of this. Well, have a good weekend. Thank you so much.

Yeah. Too.