Love Lives Here plans local vigil for Selena Not Afraid

Love Lives Here in the Flathead is hosting a candlelight vigil for Selena Shelley Not Afraid at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Community Spirit Monument near the duck ponds in Woodland Park, at the corner of Conrad Drive and Woodland Avenue in Kalispell.

The 16-year-old girl went missing on New Year’s Day near a rest stop between Billings and Hardin, and her body was found less than a mile away on Jan. 20. “There are many unanswered questions about her disappearance and death, and people across the state are asking for a thorough investigation,” according to a press release from Love Lives Here.

According to the Montana Department of Justice’s Missing Persons Clearinghouse, there are 11 Indigenous people missing in Big Horn County, where parts of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations are located.

“Everyone who has been affected by this tragedy is welcome, indigenous or not,” said Claire Charlo of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. “This is for everyone in the community who has watched this tragedy unfold and want to show their support and solidarity for murdered and missing indigenous women and girls.”

Several vigils have been held across the state, and supporters of Selena’s family wanted to give people in the Flathead Valley the opportunity to grieve and bring more awareness to her case and the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, the press release stated.

The outdoor vigil will last approximately an hour. Attendees are asked to dress warmly, wear red, and bring a candle if possible. Child-safe candle alternatives will be available.

Questions can be directed to info@loveliveshereflathead.org.