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Blackfeet MMIP
Outreach
Missing Murdered Indigenous People
Media
Responsive and responsible media support is critical in creating awareness of MMIP and helping with timely search efforts.
"For the past several years, I have worked closely with Rhonda Grant Connelly, and I am continually heartened and inspired by her commitment to justice and the families of the missing and murdered. We met when while working on coverage of her beloved nephew Matthew Rattlesnake Grant’s unsolved homicide; since then, I have watched her apply for and receive funding to improve awareness of all MMIP cases on the Blackfeet Nation reservation, begin the Blackfeet MMIP Organization, and organize trainings, events, and searches in her community. Rhonda has accomplished more in two years than many do in a lifetime. She is an incredible advocate, and I’m proud to be her colleague and friend."
- Laurah Norton, author of LAY THEM TO REST and creator of The Fall Line: True Crime
Our goal of empowering and offering healing pathway our team is deeply personal and rooted in the community's own experiences of loss and trauma.
Podcast Interview
Episode 6 Re-release
In May of 2023, we released two episodes covering the unsolved murder of Matthew Rattlesnake Grant. That’s when we first began working with his aunt, Rhonda Grant Connelly, who has since gone on to begin the Blackfeet Nation MMIP Organization, and who has connected us with families over the past two years.
Matthew was killed in December of 2016; as the case enters its ninth year, Rhonda has been working with law enforcement to finally hold those responsible for Matthew’s murder responsible. In the hopes of bringing in any new information--especially from people who might not have been ready to speak in 2016, but are willing now to help Matthew’s family--we are re-airing both his episodes, and funding social media ads featuring his FBI poster and the 10,000 reward. These will be targeted to Montana.
Rhonda wrote a statement for us to read to you, to cover some of the things that have happened since we brought you Matthew’s story in the spring of 2023. Please pay special attention to the specific special agent mentioned, as he is actively reviewing any tips or leads in Matthew’s case.
Rhonda wrote about becoming an organizer not just for Matthew’s case, but for other families as well. In some ways, that began when she applied for a grant back in 2023.
Here's What Rhonda Wrote:
"In 2023, I sought assistance from the Fall Line to obtain a billboard in memory of my nephew, Matthew Grant, who was tragically murdered in 2016. They suggested I apply for a family awareness grant from Season of Justice. I was impressed by the compassion and understanding displayed by Kendall Mills from Season of Justice. As our conversation progressed, I shared my concerns about the numerous families in our reservation community who are seeking justice for their loved ones. I asked; how can you help me help them? I felt a sense of responsibility and inquired about potential ways to support these families. Kendall suggested providing banners and T-shirts. Ultimately, I decided to utilize the resources to assist these families with banners and T-shirts, rather than pursuing a billboard for my nephew. I extend my gratitude.
What helps us is helping others. Since then, Blackfeet MMIP has organized events and conducted searches for loved ones who walked away from treatment centers and group homes, and our efforts have been successful in reuniting five loved ones with their families.
I’ve learned in order to gain attention for MMIP we should support our neighboring reservations and also support other nationalities. We’ve been working on events like awareness walks and self defense classes for all ages. "
Rhonda also discussed the current status of Matthew’s case, and what she needs from the community.
More from Rhonda...
"This year we have a new special agent assigned to Matthew’s case, collaboration is needed with the Browning PD in order to collect updated information. I am confident that we may make progress with Matthew's case in 2025. I spoke with the newly assigned Special Agent handling Matthew's case, and he informed me that in cases this old, individuals often begin to disclose information.
I am aware that there are individuals who possess knowledge regarding Matthew's death. In order to alleviate your conscience, I urge you to come forward and disclose this information to the family, or Special Agent, Brandon Prete at (801) 579-1400.
I am not going away. Seeking justice for eight years has only made me more determined.
Matthew was loved, he cared for his younger siblings. He was cheated of watching his son, baby Matthew grow into a young man. He never had the privilege of meeting his son, he was born 6 months after Matthews murder."
If you know something! Please say something!
There is a $10,000-dollar reward available in Matthew’s case. As you re-listen to his episodes, please take a moment to share the reward poster available on our social media. And as Rhonda said -- if you know something, say something. You can follow the work she’s doing with Blackfeet MMIP on Facebook; we’ve included links in our show notes.
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