Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag reward fund
"Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag" means "they will be remembered forever" in Ojibwe.
The Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund was established during the 2022-2023 legislative session to bring justice and closure to impacted families by meaningfully advancing open long-term missing and murdered Indigenous relatives' (MMIR) cases.
The Reward Fund includes a Tip Program that offers monetary rewards for credible information in eligible missing persons and homicide investigations and a Funding Program that supports awareness efforts, collaborative search support and community-led initiatives.
Rewards range amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the impact of the information provided.
What qualifies for a reward?
- The case must have completed the MMIR intake process and be open with a law enforcement agency.
- Tips must be submitted through approved channels and must provide specific and actionable information that advances the investigation. Award amounts vary and are defined by the Reward Fund policy and procedure.
- Tipsters involved as suspects, accomplices as defined by law, or those who are deceased are not eligible for payout.
- Anonymous tips are welcome and preserving anonymity for the tipster is a top priority.
- The MMIR Office does not accept tips directly.
What other support is there for open cases?
Families with an open MMIR case or an impacted community may request support from the Reward Fund for:
- Billboards or flyers
- Press announcements and social media
- Search equipment and collaborative search support
Contact your assigned MMIR staff member to submit a formal request for funding or support. They will facilitate approval and coordination with law enforcement, prevention and communications staff for further action.