A lasting tribute is being established for Emily Pike, a 14-year-old indigenous girl from Arizona who tragically lost her life in February. Plans for a permanent memorial are in progress, honoring her memory and legacy.

Stephanie Dosela, Emily’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the new memorial arrangement. This comes after the earlier removal of a temporary tribute. “I’m grateful for the permanent placement,” she shared in an interview with NBC’s 12 News.

The forthcoming memorial will be situated in Fitch Park, located in Mesa. It will include a bench and a tree planted in Emily’s honor, providing a serene place for reflection and remembrance.

Initially, a temporary memorial had been set up at the intersection of Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, marking the spot where Emily’s remains were discovered in February. This site had become a place of gathering and remembrance for many in the community.

However, the property owner decided to remove the temporary memorial, citing the lack of prior permission for its placement, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. In an effort to be respectful, he collected the items and stored them in a bin, unsure of whom to contact regarding their retrieval.

“I am very grateful for the assistance of the City of Mesa who graciously approved the establishment of a permanent memorial that will honor my daughter, Emily Carla Pike,” Dosela said in a statement.

“Her legacy will continue to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.”

Emily was last seen alive January 27, 2025, near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road, after fleeing a group home.

Police found some of Emily’s dismembered remains on Valentine’s Day, stuffed in trash bags and left along U.S. 60, northeast of Globe. Some of her remains have never been found.

No arrests have been made.

In addition to the permanent memorial, an ADOT highway memorial will be placed at milepost 277, north of Highway 60.

“We feel that Fitch Park is a great location which is less than a mile from where Emily went missing,” Emily Pike’s uncle, Pike Jr., said, according to AZ Central.

“We want to thank all of the advocates, community members, tribal leaders and general public for their continued support.”

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Emily Pike/Handout]