Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives

Guadalupe Lopez began leading the first-of-its-kind office in late July. The Department of Public Safety highlighted her unique mix of personal and professional experience.

Information that helps solve certain Minnesota cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous relatives may be eligible for a new tip program from the state's MMIR office.

Plus: Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School's commencement ceremony included 12 students holding space for their missing and lost classmates; St. Louis County is looking for residents to serve on its mental health advisory board; and post-season softball and track sections are wrapping up with several Northland athletes heading to state.

Twelve students walked across the stage to celebrate academic achievements, while also holding space for missing and lost classmates Nevaeh Kingbird and Preston White.

The missing search kits were sponsored by the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office to ensure a lack of equipment or resources didn't delay searches for missing people.

MMIW 218 formed nine years ago around the disproportionate amount of violence felt in Indigenous communities, organizing events and creating spaces for healing and change.

Plus, the Grand Rapids City Council is applying for a municipal cannabis license to explore operating a city-owned dispensary; and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Remembrance returns to Bemidji for its 9th year on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

The local group of advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, MMIW 218, will host a walk and program on Feb. 14, 2025.

And: the Minnesota State High School League's state tournament for team girls tennis wrapped up Wednesday, and Minnesotans should weigh their options when choosing their insurance plans for 2025.

Family members are still seeking answers after 17-year-old Jeremy Jourdain disappeared on Oct. 31, 2016, and 15-year-old Nevaeh Kingbird went missing on Oct. 22, 2021.