A special license plate meant to honor missing and murdered Indigenous people is now available, as per the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announcement. The design features a poignant red handprint along with a ribbon skirt depicting the four sacred colors representing the cardinal directions.
Juliet Rudie, the Director of the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office, declared that the voices of those lost and their families seeking justice have been muted for too long. "Our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives deserve more than just one day," she stated. In 2023, the MMIR Office played a crucial role in supporting 13 cases by providing services, and giving referrals or consults for eight more cases, as reported by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Minnesota Crime Data Explorer.
The unique MMIR plate was released on what has been dubbed the MMIR Day of Remembrance. According to a news release, the plate not only commemorates but also seeks to increase awareness with each mile driven. An annual contribution to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account is required to acquire the plates, which can be personalized for those who order them.
Funding from the license plate sales will go toward education, raising public awareness, and helping to prevent further tragedies. The Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board is also setting up a policy to offer rewards for information that leads to arrests, convictions, or the safe return of missing individuals. In addition to the state-issued plate, several tribal nations within Minnesota have their own MMIR license plates. The initiative provides a new vehicular canvas for the remembrance of lost loved ones and shines a light on an issue that has long plagued Indigenous communities.
Minnesotans interested in obtaining an MMIR license plate can place an order online at the state's Drive website or find a local office for in-person purchases. The plate costs $15.50, and it requires a yearly donation of at least $25 to support the ongoing fight for justice and closure for Indigenous families affected by these tragedies.
