Blackfeet MMIP
Outreach
Missing Murdered Indigenous People
Our Team
Those of us working within Blackfeet MMIP have lived experience and understanding of the complexities involved in what we consider settler-colonial violence, making our work critical, impactful, empathetic, and Indigenous-centered. Our lived experiences and understanding of the complexities surrounding MMIP cases make our organization's work even more critical and impactful.
When we come together in a culturally appropriate trauma-informed space with humility and sensitivity we can make the changes necessary to improve the safety and circumstances for generations to come.
Our vision entails an interconnectedness among all available resources and awareness for those missing and encourage a healthy lifestyle for all involved by helping families cope with grief to crimes in reality state-wide, and nationally.
By acknowledging the helplessness and despair that can come with losing a loved one to violence, our experience of advocates is creating a safe and supportive space for families to navigate their grief and find a way forward.
When we can come together with humility, sensitivity, and culturally appropriate connection, in a trauma-informed space, we can make changes to better the safety and circumstances for generations, our children are our future. Our children matter.
Our organization is for all neighboring reservations, and all nationalities. We have helped families on and off the reservation in search of a missing loved one.
Each of our members are certified in outreach search and rescue. Blackfeet MMIP help bring home missing loved ones who have walked away from treatment facilities, group homes, are in situations where they lack additional help, means of funding, and providing support and resources to vulnerable individuals and families.
Our team believes that every person is important, and no task is too large.
The goal is to work collaboratively, with the focus being, to empower and offer healing pathways, to help support family members of MMIP are recognized as true experts, because our own lived experiences in the loss of a loved one.
Join us in our mission to honor and support Indigenous communities.
Together, we can make a difference.
Grow Your Vision
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Rhonda
Grant-Connelly
Founder | Executive Director
Rhonda is the Executive Director of Blackfeet MMIP, with over 8 years of
experience in tribal community projects, advocacy, and leadership. They are a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation and possess deep knowledge of indigenous issues, community engagement, and project management. Rhonda is committed to fostering community-led solutions that promote safety, justice, and cultural preservation.
Bringing over 24 years of experience in healthcare as a Lead Pharmacy Technician at the Blackfeet IHS Community Hospital Pharmacy. In her role, Rhonda has been responsible for managing point-of-sale operations and billing, as well as coordinating the Hepatitis clinic. She holds a Certificate in Pharmacy Technology from PCDI, earned in March 2003. Rhonda is also a trained Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer, completing various training programs including SAR Skills for the Emergency Responder and Managing the Inland Search Function. As a longstanding MMIP advocate for eight years, Rhonda is personally dedicated to this cause following the tragic loss of her nephew, Matthews Grant, who went missing and was murdered in 2016.
Theodora Weatherwax
CHAIRPERSON
Theodora is a respected elder and cultural advisor, providing guidance to ensure project activities are aligned with Blackfeet traditions. They help build community trust, support culturally appropriate communication, and facilitate healing circles and cultural events. Theodora recently retired after 42 years with the Browning School District, where she served as a Teacher Assistant, Teacher, and Principal Assistant. She graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree and furthered her education with a Master’s in Education from Montana State University. Theodora is committed to educational equity and community service, playing a vital role in advocating for local youth and families. Theodora is also a trained Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer, completing various training programs including SAR Skills for the Emergency Responder and Managing the Inland Search Function.
Marla NightGun
Vice Chairperson
Marla manages project logistics, finances, and reporting. They have extensive experience in grant administration, financial management, and organizational operations, ensuring compliance and smooth workflow. Marla is a Certified Technician with the Blackfeet Food Distribution Center, where she manages food resources to support families in need. Marla actively organizes various community events focused on youth engagement and empowerment, helping foster resilience and connection among young community members. Her dedication to community service and on-the-ground support is invaluable to our efforts.
Wilma
Fleury
Treasurer
Wilma Fleury’s background and expertise make her a valuable asset to any organization focused on community outreach and support. With significant experience in working within the Blackfeet community, particularly in areas such as domestic violence advocacy, cultural education, and event planning, Wilma demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring that project activities are both respectful and culturally relevant.
As a Teacher's Aid for middle and high school students, Wilma has developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for engaging with youth and fostering a supportive learning environment. Her part-time work with a Domestic Violence program emphasizes her dedication to social justice and her ability to address sensitive issues with compassion and care.
Wilma holds an Associate of Arts degree in Human Services from BCC, providing her with a solid educational foundation that complements her practical experience. Her skills in fieldwork, budgeting, and resource allocation are crucial for the effective implementation of community programs and initiatives.
Overall, Wilma's combination of education, hands-on experience, and compassionate approach positions her well to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. Her work not only supports vulnerable populations but also contributes to the broader goals of safety, justice, and healing within the Blackfeet Nation. Wilma is also a trained Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer, completing various training programs including SAR Skills for the Emergency Responder and Managing the Inland Search Function.
Carlene
Old Person
Secretary
Carlene Old Person is a Chef for the Medicine Bear Shelter and a U.S. Army Veteran, having served as a 63B-HB Recovery Specialist. Her leadership skills and commitment to service amplify our mission, ensuring that those in need receive compassionate care and support. Carlene brings a unique perspective to our team through her military experience and dedication to community service. Carlene is also a trained Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer, completing various training programs including SAR Skills for the Emergency Responder and Managing the Inland Search Function.
Lea Wetzel
Poonoakki (Elk Women)
Advisor
Lea Wetzel's role as a Recovery Services Program Specialist under DPHHS showcases her invaluable contributions to project logistics and community advocacy within the Blackfeet Nation. With extensive experience in grant administration and financial management, Lea ensures that our programs are not only compliant with regulations but also effective and efficient in their operations.
Lea holds a pivotal position in representing the Blackfeet Nation on significant task forces, such as the Montana Department of Justice Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force and the Browning Human Trafficking Task Force. Through her involvement, she addresses critical issues affecting Indigenous communities, fostering solutions that promote safety and justice.
Her deep expertise in recovery services and advocacy informs our work, enabling us to develop initiatives that are responsive to community needs and systemic challenges. Lea's commitment to community engagement exemplifies the vital intersection of organizational operations and community support, making her a key figure in promoting recovery, advocacy, and lasting change within the Blackfeet Nation.
Overall, Lea's contributions not only strengthen our internal processes but also empower the community, highlighting her essential role in driving impactful change and ensuring that the voices of the Blackfeet people are heard in essential conversations about justice and recovery.
Retired from the Blackfeet Tribal Council as acting Vice Chairman.
During his tenure as acting Vice Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Council, Robert's involvement in law enforcement, and his graduation from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy signify a strong commitment to public safety and community resilience. Such roles often complement efforts to secure grants aimed at enhancing local and tribal capabilities in homeland security.
Attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy where he graduated and served as a Montana Highway Patrolman.
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to Our Site
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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.
VOLUNTEERS
Each of our members are certified in outreach search and rescue. Blackfeet MMIP help bring home missing loved ones who have walked away from treatment facilities, group homes, are in situations where they lack additional help, means of funding, and providing support and resources to vulnerable individuals and families.
VALUED PARTNER
Laurah Norton, is a writer, researcher, and host of The Fall Line podcast. On The Fall Line, Laurah focuses on cold cases from the American Southeast. She also hosts One Strange Thing podcast that shares unexplainable stories found in American news archives.
Laurah has 16 years of research and writing experience as a former academic in literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and archival and primary research.
Laurah released Lay Them to Rest in 2023, a true-crime book that shares Laurah’s experience while assisting in identifying a Jane Doe homicide victim found in an Illinois state park in 1993.
Laurah volunteers for the Board of Directors of the nonprofit, Season of Justice; she joined after seeing how many families were helped through awareness grants for their loved ones’ cases. She works with families, experts, and law enforcement in the Southeast and beyond to make sure cold cases that have received little attention get a media platform.
VALUED PARTNER
Ohkomi Forensics is an Indigenous-led, Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides forensic services to the Indigenous communities and families affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis.
For forensic consultation and case evaluation, please contact:
Executive Director, Haley Omeasoo at Haley.omeasoo@ohkomiforensics.com or
visit their website at www.ohkomiforensics.com.