Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives
MN License Plate

This project was an honor to be part of as the lead designer with Big Spirit Inc. This new license plate honoring missing and murdered indigenous people was unveiled in February of 2024.

The new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives - Minnesota (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 & black) of the four directions: north, south east & west.​

The state announced the new plate on the Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Funds from the reward account will bring awareness to cases, educate the public & 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.

"Generations of Indigenous communities have lost loved ones through violence at higher rates than any other population,"  Kunesh said. "The historic and ongoing violence contributes to barriers to education, employment, housing security, healthcare, and cultural support, and these forces have left Native relatives vulnerable to violence for too long. We must continue to organize and take action against racism, colonialism, and misogyny, and make amends for the history of genocidal state policies like Indian boarding schools and forced family separations."

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 visit an office to purchase in person.