Cheryl Horn

My name is Cheryl Horn, Magazu Nahzi (Standing in the Rain), and I am an Assiniboine from Fort Belknap, Montana. I became a member of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Men (MMIWM) family in July 2018 after the tragic loss of my niece, Tristen Gray, and again in 2020 with her sister, Selena Bell Not Afraid. These heartbreaking experiences have driven me to become a passionate advocate for families and survivors of missing, murdered, and trafficked individuals.

As an advocate, I work tirelessly to bring about change by pushing for legal reforms, connecting families to resources, engaging media, finding legal representation, and expanding networks of support for affected families. My mission is to raise awareness and foster prevention by sharing the experiences my family and I have endured. In 2022, I was honored to receive the USA Today National Woman of the Year award, alongside 10 distinguished recipients. This recognition has created valuable opportunities for families to share their stories and amplify the voices of those we have lost. I proudly serve as a board member for the Pretty Eagle Woman Resource Foundation and as the Affiliate Equity Officer on the Montana ACLU Board.

Recently, my tribe appointed me to the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, where I represent Fort Belknap in addressing MMIWM issues. My ultimate goal is to bring healing opportunities to all MMIWM families. I firmly believe that healing is essential for the families left behind, and that together, we can navigate the difficult journey of advocacy and grief. Maintaining positive mental health is vital as we continue to seek justice and honor our loved ones. By working together, we can find strength, healing, and hope for a brighter future.