Othram officials announced in a Feb. 20 news release the biotechnology company based in The Woodlands has partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs for an operation initiative to help solve cases of missing and murdered Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

“Answers are now possible for everyone, regardless of circumstances, historical origins, geography or time period,” Othram CEO David Mittelman said. “We are honored to assist the Bureau of Indian Affairs in leveraging advanced forensic technology to resolve long-standing cases and deliver justice."

The specifics

Per the release, the project launched by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and handled by its Missing and Murdered Unit will identify unknown human remains that have been located within or close to Native American lands that are believed to belong to Native American or Alaska Native persons.

With the focus on returning remains to tribal communities, the unit is actively investigating 15 unidentified persons cases from its regions, including Alaska.


“With our partners in federal law enforcement and the genetic research community, we are striving to make a meaningful impact for the tribal families and communities who have been left for years with unanswered questions about those who went missing,” BIA-OJS Deputy Bureau Director Richard Melville said.

The announcement came days after Othram announced the solving of an unidentified Native American woman’s remains in South Dakota.