MONTANA — The Montana Department of Justice has launched a new statewide PSA to raise awareness of missing Indigenous people, spotlighting four individuals still missing in Montana: Ashley Mariah Loring Heavyrunner, James Douglas Limberhand, Shacaiah Blue Harding, and Leo Wagner.
Last year, Indigenous persons made up 31 percent of all missing persons in the state, despite representing just 6.4 percent of Montana's population, Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a release.
The agency said a 30-second message focuses on the toll these cases take on families and communities.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen urges people to learn more through the state’s missing persons database
“Behind every missing person is a family at home waiting for answers. This tragedy has had a devastating impact on our tribal communities and the Montana Department of Justice is committed to being part of the solution,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “I encourage every Montanan to visit our missing persons database to familiarize yourself with the faces of those who are missing. One tip to law enforcement could help bring someone’s loved one home.”
Indigenous people are reported missing at a much higher rate in Montana, Knudsen said. American Indian and Alaskan Natives make up 6.4 percent of the state population, but accounted for 31 percent of missing persons cases last year.
The agency said 618 Indigenous people were reported missing in Montana in 2025. 35 Indigenous people are still missing, with eight missing for less than a year and 27 missing for more than a year.
The department also said it upgraded the Montana Missing Persons Database to give the public more information from local law enforcement about missing people, including Indigenous people.
Montana’s human trafficking hotline was launched earlier in 2026. People can report suspected trafficking online, through simplyreport.com, through the Simply Report app or by calling 1-833-406-STOP.
Originally published on montanarightnow.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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