#United States #Minnesota #Native American #OUR RESCUE #Esther Howard

Arctic Quest: A Journey for Awareness

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5, serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Indigenous communities, particularly in the context of human trafficking and violence. To shed light on these urgent issues, Our Rescue, a global NGO focused on combating sex trafficking, is embarking on an ambitious 8,000-mile motorcycle journey named "Arctic Quest: A Ride for Her." This initiative, in collaboration with Esther Howard from the Dene Nation, aims to honor the lives of Indigenous women and girls while raising funds for survivor care services.

A Personal Journey

Esther Howard, who is not only an advocate but the founder of Bezyl, a mental health technology company, deeply resonates with this mission. "My mother and grandmother survived systems of oppression that sadly continue today. This journey is a tribute to them and to every Indigenous woman and child whose life deserves to be honored and protected," Howard states. This month-long mission aims to share Indigenous stories, reconnect with cultural roots, and raise global awareness.

The Reality of Violence

Indigenous peoples represent a small 5% of the global population, yet they face severe socio-economic challenges, with about 15% living in extreme poverty, making them vulnerable to exploitation. In the U.S., the statistics are shocking — four in five Native American women encounter violence in their lifetime. Reports highlight that a staggering 86% of perpetrators of such violence against Native women are non-Native men. Unfortunately, limited tribal jurisdiction over crimes involving non-Native offenders often leaves many victims without justice.

The Journey Begins

Kicking off on July 1, 2025, the journey will commence in Nogales, Arizona, and stretch all the way to the Arctic Ocean in Tuktoyaktuk, Canada. The expedition will aim to raise funds that go directly toward Our Rescue's services that assist survivors on their path to recovery. Throughout the trip, there will be planned stops in Indigenous communities offering opportunities for shared stories, cultural exchanges, and healing.

This initiative supports programs like the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center's Noojimo program, which aids Native women who have experienced violence, providing critical resources such as housing and legal assistance. In addition to this support, the organization also collaborates with Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs, giving them a platform for economic opportunity designed for creativity and healing.

Join the Cause

The Arctic Quest welcomes riders and supporters from all backgrounds to join in, whether for a day or the entire journey. Participants will engage in:

• - Visiting Indigenous communities to learn about the strength and resilience of Indigenous women.
• - Participating in storytelling events that foster cultural education.
• - Raising awareness and funds specifically for trafficking survivors.
• - Experiencing the breathtaking beauty and richness of Native lands and lifestyles.

The journey's timeline includes logistical stops at notable locations such as:

• - July 1: Departing from Nogales, Arizona at 8:00 AM.
• - July 6: A stop at the Calgary Stampede, Alberta.
• - July 10: Arrival in Whitehorse, Yukon.
• - July 15: Reaching the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.
• - July 28: Concluding in Phoenix, Arizona.

Participants must confirm their interest by June 16, 2025, and can expect support from Esther and her team in coordinating logistics, hosts, and local engagement opportunities.

About the Organizations

Esther Howard, through Bezyl, is dedicated to helping underserved communities, using her experiences to foster resilience and mutual support. Our Rescue, founded in 2013, focuses on educational efforts aimed at prevention, supports law enforcement, and provides trauma-informed services to empower survivors globally.

Through this journey, it is hoped that more individuals will recognize the pressing issues faced by Indigenous women and girls, and rally support for lasting change in their communities.