The program began with an opening prayer by Rick Defoe and representatives from Federal, State and Tribal leaders shared updates on legislation to further the cause.

The march is about bringing awareness to a growing statistic, and remember those women who are missing or murdered. Many of the marchers wore shades of red in remembrance. 

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women March | Photo: Ben Harper, WDIO

The marchers started at AICHO and ended at the Building for Women.

Those gathered say although it is powerful to see everyone together, it also brings up the hurt and pain of losing loved ones.

"I lost two of my grandchildren this year," Lisa Ronnquist said. Ronnquist was one of the marchers on Friday. "I've lost a couple of friends. This really has to stop. We really need the help."

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women March in Duluth | Photo: Ben Harper, WDIO

According to the MMIW-GIC.com, 5,712 Native women were reported murdered or missing in 2016.

Ronnquist wants to remind everyone that "We are people too."

To read the original article and see related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO0-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/missing-murdered-indigenous-women-march/5645634/?cat=1033...