Cherokee 411 has announced the launch of a new podcast and video series, Murdered and Missing Cherokee People (MMCP), created to shine a light on one of the most urgent and unsolved crises facing Cherokee families.

The MMCP series is part of the broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) movement, but it is focused specifically on Cherokee citizens whose stories have too often gone unheard. Each episode will work directly with families to share the lives of their missing or murdered loved ones, document the circumstances surrounding their cases, and highlight the systemic gaps that leave families without answers.

“As Cherokee people, we carry a responsibility to speak the names of our loved ones and fight for justice when their voices are silenced,” said Cara Cowan Watts, Cohost of MMCP. “This series is not only about remembranc, it is about action. We must stand together to ensure that no Cherokee family walks this path alone.”

The first episode of the series tells the story of Erik Lane, a Cherokee citizen who went missing in Tahlequah in July 2025 and was later found deceased. His family’s search for answers underscores the larger challenges of jurisdictional gaps, lack of communication, and silence from institutions meant to serve and protect Cherokee people.

“Too often, Cherokee families are met with silence when a loved one goes missing. MMCP is our way of making sure their stories are heard and their lives are honored,” said Katie Punnett, Co-Host of MMCP.

In addition to the podcast and video series, Cherokee 411 is developing a database of murdered and missing Cherokee citizens. This effort, supported by volunteers, will provide families, advocates, and the public with a central resource to track cases, preserve stories, and ensure that no Cherokee relative is forgotten.

Cherokee 411 invites families who have experienced the loss of a loved one to reach out and share their stories. By working together, the MMCP series— and the growing database— seek to honor their lives, raise awareness, and call for lasting change.