National MMIR Day of Awareness events for 2026

May marks a time of reflection, togetherness and action across Minnesota as Indigenous communities and allies come together to honor the lives of Indigenous relatives who are missing or have been claimed by violence on May 5, National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Awareness.

Through art, activism and prayer, communities across Minnesota bring awareness and attention to the devastating epidemic of violence facing Indigenous people. These gatherings are opportunities to stand in solidarity, learn from one another, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the Indigenous communities of Minnesota. 

Twin Cities Metro Area

April 27

MMIR Remembrance Ceremony art-making evening 
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis 
When: 5 - 7 p.m. 
What: Join us for an evening of art and community in support of MMIR families. We will be painting the names of Minnesota’s MMIR victims for a community-driven art installation to be displayed on May 5.

 

May 3

MMIW National Day of Awareness 5K Run/1M walk  
Where: The Loppet Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis 
When: 1-4 p.m. 
What: Across the United States and Canada, Native women and girls are being taken or murdered at an unrelenting rate. Join Native Women Run and friends as we come together and honor the memory of lost loved ones, to advocate for change and engage in a spiritual walk/run at your own pace, offering prayers and strength to those who need it. Wear red!

 

May 5

National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Awareness Remembrance Ceremony  
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis  
When: Noon - 2 p.m.  
What: Join Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office as we honor the lives of Indigenous relatives who are missing or whose lives have been claimed by violence. 
 

May 21-22

Honoring Our Relatives Healing Circle
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis  
When: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What: Honoring our Relatives Healing Circle offers a space for families to come together in remembrance, healing, and connection.  Elder, Maria McCoy will facilitate a Spirit Doll Making Workshop held in partnership with Hennepin County’s Outreach & Community Supports and the Minnesota's MMIR Office. Lunch and child care will be provided. Registration is required.

 

Northern Minnesota

April 19

Sign Making & Frybread Tacos to support MMIR2S healing circle and walk
Where: Arts for Vets, 215 N 3rd St, Suite 100 Grand Forks
When: 2-4 p.m.
What: Join us for sign making as we prepare for our community walk. We will have limited supplies available, so please bring your own sign-making materials if you are able. Free frybread tacos will be provided during this time.

 

April 30

MMIP Awareness Day sign making event
Where: WETCC Drum Hall
When: 1-4 p.m.
What: All supplies, light snacks and beverages will be provided.

 

April 27 - May 8

Annual Wear Red for MMIWR - Public Awareness Art Displays Honoring MMIWR
What: Multiple events during 2026 Action Week for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2 Spirit and Relatives.

 

May 2

MMIR2S Healing Circle and Walk
Where: Flood Memorial Monument, 308 Demers Ave, Grand Forks, ND
When: 2 - 4 p.m.
What: We invite our community to come together to honor our Missing and Murdered Indigenous and Two-Spirit (MMIW2S) relatives through a two-part healing and remembrance event.

 

May 3

3rd Annual Red Lake Victim Services MMIW Awareness Run
Where: Runners and drivers meet at 7 Clans Casino parking lot. 
When: 7:30 a.m. 
What: Run for the silenced sponsored by Red Lake Department of Public Safety and Red Lake Victim Services. Runners will arrive at the Sanford Center approximately 12:30 p.m.
 

May 3

Bemidji National MMIW Awareness Day Event
Where: March begins at the Paul and Babe statue and continues to the Sanford Event Center.
When: 11 a.m. march begins. 12 PM - 5 PM conference and gathering at Sanford Event Center.
What: Run for the silenced sponsored by Red Lake Department of Public Safety and Red Lake Victim Services. Runners will arrive at the Sanford Center approximately 12:30 p.m.
 

May 5

6th Annual Twin Ports National Day of Awareness for MMIWR
Where: Duluth City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
What: Youth-led event centering MMIWR families and honoring lost loved ones. 

 

May 5

White Earth 4th Annual MMIP Awareness Day Walk and Conference
Where: Shooting Star event center, 777 SE Casino Rd., Mahnomen
When: Registration at 8:30 a.m.
 

May 5

Film screening: Who She Is
Where: East Grand Forks Campbell Library, 422 4th St. NW, East Grand Forks MN
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
What: Screening 'Who She Is,' a powerful documentary that shares the stories of Indigenous women from the Wind River Reservation. Through personal storytelling and animation, the film centers the lives, voices, and humanity of Indigenous women impacted by the MMIW crisis—moving beyond statistics to lived experience. The screening will also include a 20‑minute companion film featuring tribal leaders from the Wind River Reservation, offering insight, context, and community perspectives on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
 

May 5

Bois Forte MMIWR Walks and Community Engagement
Where: Nett Lake, 5344 Lakeshore Dr. Nett Lake, MN
When: 10 a.m. - noon
What:  The walk will begin at Nett  Lake and continue to the health and Human Services building, 13071 Nett Lake, MN. There will be opening and closing prayers, speakers, light refreshments and an opportunity for community to share personal stories.
and

Where: Vermillion Social Center, 1610 Farm Rd. South, Tower, MN
When: 10 a.m. - noon
What: The walk will begin atthe Vermillion Social Center and continue to the Fortune Bay Sign, 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN. There will be opening and closing prayers, speakers, light refreshments and an opportunity for community to share personal stories.

 

 

Southern Minnesota

May 5

4th Annual Dakota Wicohan MMIR Awareness Walk
Where: Redwood Falls Airport to Legion Park
When: 5 p.m.
What: Join us in solidarity as we gather in remembrance, unity and strength to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.