March 7, 2025

Operation Spirit Return: A New Hope for Justice

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Operation Spirit Return is a heartfelt initiative focused on addressing the alarming issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the U.S. By leveraging advanced forensic technology and collaboration with tribes, it aims to bring closure to families and communities affected by these injustices. This initiative highlights the grim reality, with thousands of cases unlogged and a growing federal focus on required resources to tackle the crisis, fostering a collective push for justice.

The Heartfelt Initiative: Operation Spirit Return

Operation Spirit Return is spearheading a heartfelt mission that aims to tackle the troubling issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people across the United States. This robust initiative is working diligently to address the injustices faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, shedding light on cases that too often remain in the shadows. With the assistance of advanced forensic technology from a Texas-based accredited laboratory, this collaborative effort is not just about solving cases—it’s about bringing closure to families and communities, and honoring lives that have been lost.

Brilliant Science Behind the Scenes

Engaging in the forensic realm, Othram has teamed up with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to kick off this essential partnership. So, what does Othram bring to the table? Simply put, it has mastered the art of generating human identities using DNA evidence that might be found at crime scenes or belong to unidentified remains. This incredible technology holds promise for reopening cold cases, letting us breathe new life into investigations that had previously run dry due to lack of leads.

Michael Vogen, the director of case management at Othram, shared insights on the meticulous in-house process of analyzing DNA evidence. By examining these biological clues, Othram is paving the way for fresh investigative leads that hold the potential to unlock mysteries surrounding missing and murdered individuals.

A Grim Reality

To grasp the urgency of this initiative, it’s vital to reflect on some statistics that reveal a disturbing reality. In 2016 alone, there were over 5,000 reports involving murdered or missing Indigenous women and girls. Alarmingly, only a meager 2% of these cases had been logged by the National Missing and Unidentified Person System. Oklahoma ranks high on this worrying list, with 329 reported cases of missing Indigenous persons—one of the highest figures in the nation.

Community Response and Recognition

The Cherokee Nation is planning to begin its collaboration with Othram in the spring of 2025—a move that signifies hope and proactivity in seeking justice. The case of Aubrey Dameron, a Two-Spirit woman who went missing in March 2019, has drawn considerable attention to the violence faced by Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. Her tragic story, linked to her remains found in early 2025, underscores the pressing need for resolution, accountability, and empathy in these challenging matters.

Collaborative investigations involving the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the FBI have taken center stage as they dig deep into the circumstances surrounding Dameron’s death. Leadership from the Cherokee Nation has extended heartfelt condolences and rallied support for families grappling with loss in the wake of unresolved cases.

A Collective Call for Change

Attention is steadily growing at the federal level. The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations is actively discussing the need for additional resources to tackle the ongoing crisis. Legislative initiatives, including the Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act, are being proposed to improve data collection surrounding cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Increased funding in the fiscal year 2025 House Interior Appropriations bill is another step towards supporting public safety and justice initiatives.

The Power of Awareness

Above all else, it’s the communities that are stepping up to amplify their voices. Tribal officials, notably from the Cherokee Nation, are utilizing social media to raise awareness and rally support in the quest for justice. It’s a grassroots effort galvanizing individuals and organizations alike to take a stand against a problem that has gone on for far too long.

With Operation Spirit Return lighting the way, there is a renewed sense of hope for families longing for answers. Every case matters, and as more resources flow into the effort, a collective step towards justice feels not just possible—but inevitable. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure every voice is heard as we seek to resolve these heartbreaking cases.