Minnesota launches tip program to aid missing and murdered Indigenous relatives cases

Minnesota has launched the Gaagige‑Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Tip Program to encourage public assistance in solving cases of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, according to MinneapoliMedia. The initiative, whose name in Ojibwe means “They will be remembered forever,” offers up to $10,000 for tips that lead to the recovery of remains or that directly solve a case. Sixteen active cases are currently eligible for rewards, including those of Jeremy Jourdain and Nevaeh Kingbird, both missing in Bemidji.

Administered by the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office and funded through legislative appropriations and MMIR specialty license plate proceeds, the program is backed by Sen. Mary Kunesh, a descendant of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. “Sometimes money loosens a tongue,” she was quoted as saying. Ana Negrete, interim director of the MMIR Office, said the fund signals to families that their pain is not being ignored.”