New missing and murdered Indigenous relatives license plate now available in Minnesota
Feb 15, 2024 10:17AM ● By Content Editor
Image: MN Dept of Public Safety
From the Minnesota Department of Public Safety - February 15, 2024
In the Ojibwe language, “Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag” (gah-GHEE-gay-MICK-when-da-go-ZEE-wahg) means, “They will be remembered forever.” That’s exactly what the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office and the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board aim to do with the release of a special license plate on this MMIR Day of Remembrance.
The new MMIR plate features a red handprint, which symbolizes the historic silencing of the violence that Indigenous people have faced for generations and the dedication to hearing those voices moving forward. The ribbon skirt includes the sacred colors (red, white, yellow and black) of the four directions: north, south east and west.
“Our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives deserve more than just one day,” said MMIR Office Director Juliet Rudie. “Their cases, as well as their loved ones’ cries for justice, have gone silent for far too long.”
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Crime Data Explorer shows that there were six reported Indigenous victims of homicide or non-negligent manslaughter in Minnesota last year. That accounts for 4.41 percent of all reported homicides or non-negligent manslaughters. In 2023 alone, the MMIR Office supported 13 cases with services and resources. Staff also conducted referrals or consults on eight additional cases.
Visibility is key. This license plate amplifies the stories of Minnesota’s missing and murdered relatives. On Feb. 14, Minnesotans bring visibility to MMIR cases in places like Minneapolis, Bemidji, Duluth and throughout Indian Country.
“Every year, families march while carrying signs with their loved one’s name and picture,” said Rudie. “Now they can also buy an MMIR plate to spread awareness every day, with each mile they travel.”
This new plate will be available for order on Feb. 14. It is made on demand so it can be customized. It will cost $15.50 and requires a minimum $25 annual contribution to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account.
Funds from the reward account will bring awareness to cases, educate the public and prevent future cases. The reward fund board recently developed a policy that will consider rewards for tips that lead to a resolution with MMIR cases through an arrest, conviction or return of the individual.
This plate joins several tribal nations within Minnesota that also have special MMIR license plates. They include: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Visit drive.mn.gov to order an MMIR license plate online or find an office to buy them in person.
From the Minnesota Department of Public Safety - February 15, 2024
In the Ojibwe language, “Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag” (gah-GHEE-gay-MICK-when-da-go-ZEE-wahg) means, “They will be remembered forever.” That’s exactly what the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office and the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board aim to do with the release of a special license plate on this MMIR Day of Remembrance.
The new MMIR plate features a red handprint, which symbolizes the historic silencing of the violence that Indigenous people have faced for generations and the dedication to hearing those voices moving forward. The ribbon skirt includes the sacred colors (red, white, yellow and black) of the four directions: north, south east and west.
“Our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives deserve more than just one day,” said MMIR Office Director Juliet Rudie. “Their cases, as well as their loved ones’ cries for justice, have gone silent for far too long.”
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Crime Data Explorer shows that there were six reported Indigenous victims of homicide or non-negligent manslaughter in Minnesota last year. That accounts for 4.41 percent of all reported homicides or non-negligent manslaughters. In 2023 alone, the MMIR Office supported 13 cases with services and resources. Staff also conducted referrals or consults on eight additional cases.
Visibility is key. This license plate amplifies the stories of Minnesota’s missing and murdered relatives. On Feb. 14, Minnesotans bring visibility to MMIR cases in places like Minneapolis, Bemidji, Duluth and throughout Indian Country.
“Every year, families march while carrying signs with their loved one’s name and picture,” said Rudie. “Now they can also buy an MMIR plate to spread awareness every day, with each mile they travel.”
This new plate will be available for order on Feb. 14. It is made on demand so it can be customized. It will cost $15.50 and requires a minimum $25 annual contribution to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account.
Funds from the reward account will bring awareness to cases, educate the public and prevent future cases. The reward fund board recently developed a policy that will consider rewards for tips that lead to a resolution with MMIR cases through an arrest, conviction or return of the individual.
This plate joins several tribal nations within Minnesota that also have special MMIR license plates. They include: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Visit drive.mn.gov to order an MMIR license plate online or find an office to buy them in person.
