Rebuilding Trust and Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples through DNA
Written by Tara Luther, Promega
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At the heart of the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis in the U.S. lies a severe imbalance: while Indigenous communities suffer disproportionately high rates of violence and disappearances, they historically lack access to resources, including advanced forensic technologies, to address these issues. Presenters Mark Pooley and Dr. Michael Coble at the 35th International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) took the stage with an unyielding purpose—to share the strides they’re making in MMIP identification and offer a model for transformative change.
"To address a crisis like this, two things are essential: resources and trust," Pooley asserts, speaking from his experience as a retired law enforcement officer and a member of the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Together with Dr. Coble, a forensic DNA expert, they are pushing forward an initiative that brings forensic DNA identification to Indigenous communities while emphasizing a profound need to build trust at every stage.
A Silent Epidemic Brought to Light
MMIP data paints a stark picture: Indigenous women are murdered at a rate nearly four times higher than non-Hispanic White women, and over 5,700 Indigenous women were reported missing in 2016 alone—yet only 116 were recorded in the federal NamUs system. Underreporting is rampant, and this crisis has largely gone unaddressed due to gaps in data collection and investigative resources.
“This is personal work for me,” Pooley explains. “I see families spend years waiting for answers that just never come. Through this project, we hope to give them the resolution they deserve.”
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded the Center for Human Identification a grant to address these challenges by funding DNA testing specifically for Indigenous cases. However, Pooley and Coble quickly recognized that a technical solution alone won’t suffice—bridging the gap between science and community will require careful, culturally respectful engagement.
Mark Pooley presents at ISHI 35 in San Antonio
Building Bridges: Science Meets Tradition
The journey to making this initiative a success wasn’t easy. As Pooley shares, trust is fragile in Indigenous communities, especially regarding DNA testing, which is sometimes seen as an intrusion by non-Native institutions. Many Indigenous cultures regard DNA as sacred and individual to each person, and there are countless tribes across the U.S. with distinct customs, beliefs, and languages. “A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work,” says Pooley. “Each approach must be tailored to the unique beliefs and needs of each tribe, and that requires time, trust, and open dialogue.”
To illustrate this, Pooley recounts a recent interaction with a Navajo elder, a mother of a missing son. He describes her as traditional, speaking only Navajo, and initially unwilling to provide a DNA sample. Her daughters had contacted Pooley, expressing their own willingness to give DNA samples if it could help locate their brother, but they were certain their mother would say no. Pooley remembers urging them, “Just ask her, and if she says no, we’ll respect that.”
They called Pooley back only minutes later with their mother’s surprising agreement to donate her DNA sample. Her response had been, “I will do anything to find my son.” Pooley pauses, visibly moved, and adds, “There’s power in that, in a mother’s desire to know. It breaks down barriers.” Not long after, DNA results confirmed her son’s identity among unidentified remains, and the family was finally able to bring him home after years of waiting.
“It’s those moments that make this work,” Pooley reflects. “We think we know people’s beliefs or what they’re willing to do, but you learn again and again that when it comes to finding loved ones, there are no barriers strong enough to hold that back.”
Challenges in Forensic Identification: From Technical Barriers to Funding
The MMIP initiative faces persistent challenges, especially with cases involving degraded or aged DNA samples. Many cases remain unsolved simply because of the limited availability of viable DNA, often worsened by exposure to harsh climates. Coble and Pooley’s team leverages state-of-the-art techniques to retrieve DNA from remains that have defied conventional methods, but each sample represents a meticulous process of trial and error.
While scientific advancements allow them to achieve breakthrough results, both leaders acknowledge that sustainable funding is critical. “Programs like these hinge on support from federal grants,” Coble says. “Without sustained funding, the work cannot continue, which would be a tragic setback for families still waiting.”
To extend their reach, they are also working closely with law enforcement and medical examiners who may have unidentified human remains of potential Native American descent. “There is no cost for law enforcement to engage with us,” Coble notes. “We cover the DNA processing and CODIS entry. Our goal is to ensure that no case is left behind due to budget constraints.”
Creating Lasting Change in the Forensic Landscape
With positive results accumulating, the program’s long-term impact could be monumental, not just for Indigenous communities, but for the forensic field as a whole. Pooley is hopeful that their MMIP model will inspire similar programs for other underserved communities facing comparable challenges. “Our ultimate hope is that other communities—the Black community, Hispanic community, and beyond—will see what’s possible and pursue similar models,” Pooley shares.
Both men agree that the MMIP initiative represents a fundamental shift in the role of forensics within marginalized communities. “Every identification is one more person brought home, one more family with answers, and one more step toward justice,” Coble remarks.
At ISHI, their message resonated with fellow scientists, underscoring the potential of forensic science to serve as a bridge between modern technology and cultural respect. “We’re proving that forensics isn’t just about solving crimes,” says Pooley, “it’s about restoring communities and healing wounds that have been left open for far too long.”
For law enforcement agencies or medical examiners interested in collaborating on a case, Pooley and Coble encourage them to reach out via the Center for Human Identification’s website. While their primary focus has been in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, they are eager to expand their work to additional tribes and communities throughout the United States. In Pooley’s words, “It’s a calling, not a job. And we’re just getting started.”