Lissa Yellow Bird, a former addict and incarcerated woman turned advocate, shares her inspiring journey of transformation. She discusses the struggles she faced growing up, her battle with addiction, and how she ultimately dedicated her life to helping Indigenous families find their missing loved ones. Lissa delves into the emotional toll of her work, including the heart-wrenching case of her niece. Through her story, she highlights the systemic issues surrounding missing Indigenous women and calls for urgent action and awareness.
Lissa Yellowbird's transformation from personal trauma to community advocacy illustrates the power of resilience and personal redemption in the fight for social justice.
The detrimental effects of the Bakken oil boom on Indigenous communities highlight the systemic issues surrounding resource extraction and the need for equitable profit distribution.
Deep dives
The Haddon Clark Case: A Terrifying Serial Killer
Haddon Clark is a serial killer who has confessed to multiple murders, with some investigators suggesting that his actual victim count could exceed 100. Clark's belief that he was Jesus Christ played a significant role in his criminal behavior, leading to delusions that impacted his actions. The case is riddled with complexities, including evidence tied to a specific cell phone that contained vital information about his murder spree across various states, showcasing the chilling nature of his crimes. This story exemplifies the intersection of mental health issues and violent criminal behavior, generating discussions around prevention and legal ramifications.
Lissa Yellowbird: A Journey of Resilience
Lissa Yellowbird, a member of the three affiliated tribes, faced immense adversity from a young age, experiencing sexual abuse and struggling with addiction as an adult. Despite her turbulent past, including time spent in prison, she transformed her life and obtained a degree in criminal justice, later becoming a legal advocate for her community. Lissa's journey highlights her strength and determination to overcome personal traumas while working tirelessly to help others in similar situations. Her story serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the impact one individual can have in their community.
The Impact of the Bakken Oil Boom
The Bakken oil boom in North Dakota initially promised economic opportunities for impoverished tribal communities, but it ultimately led to exploitation and increased crime rates. Rather than benefiting from their natural resources, Indigenous populations faced negative consequences, including addiction, violence, and family disruptions. This situation highlights the broader systemic issues surrounding resource extraction in marginalized communities and the need for equitable distribution of profits. The detrimental effects of the oil boom extend beyond individual cases, impacting entire communities and raising important questions about corporate responsibility.
Searching for Missing Indigenous Women: A Personal Mission
After facing the tragic loss of her niece, Lissa Yellowbird dedicated herself to finding missing Indigenous persons, leveraging her criminal justice background and community connections. She became actively involved in the case of Olivia Lone Bear, who disappeared after leaving a bar, ultimately leading a search that uncovered her body months later. Lissa's work emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, showcasing her relentless pursuit of justice for families. Through her organization, the Sainish Scouts, she continues to support families in their search efforts, illustrating the ongoing challenges and significant gaps in law enforcement response.
Ep 170: One woman’s come-back from drugs and incarceration would lead her to a life of service in helping indigenous families find their lost loved ones
This is the Lissa Yellow Bird story
Sources for Today's Episode:
High Country News
BBC News
Dateline episode “Secrets of Spirit Lake”
Indian Law Resource Center
The National Crime Information Center
The Department of Justice
The White House.gov/factsheet
The book “Yellow Bird” by Sierra Crane Murdoch
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor,
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
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