Feb. 14 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Awareness Day in Minnesota. Across the state the day is just one set aside to honor those who have been lost too soon, raise the visibility of efforts to end the epidemic of violence and to stand alongside the families and communities who continue to carry the weight of that loss.

In Minnesota, MMIR Awareness Day is commonly observed through community-led gatherings and ceremonies that center Indigenous culture and healing. Events often include prayer, song, moments of silence and the sharing of names and stories of loved ones. Many communities also organize walks, marches, and public memorials or displays to make MMIR visible in public spaces. 

Across the state, people show solidarity by wearing red, a color widely used to represent MMIR awareness. It is not uncommon to see supporters wearing a red handprint across their mouth to symbolize the historic silencing of Indigenous voices, particularly the voices of Indigenous women.