MMIWR March Demands Justice

People from across the city take to the streets in support of Indigenous women

By Lauren Trowbridge

It had been raining since the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, Feb. 14, but in Minneapolis, hundreds of Indigenous people and allies took to the streets in protest of the vast and disproportionate number of missing persons and open murder cases among Indigenous people. This march was a part of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, or MMIWR, movement.

As St. Catherine University has two exhibitions in our Catherine G. Murphy Gallery and just last week hosted a film screening, both events featuring the work of Indigenous artists, flyers advertising the protest have been circulating campus. Shuttles and vans transported students who were interested in showing their support. The event was held and centered around the East Phillips Community and Cultural Center in South Minneapolis. Driving in, it was incredible to see the murals lining Bloomington Avenue; the attendees, all dressed in red, were easily recognizable as we walked up to the community center.

The gymnasium was filled with red clothing, signs and regalia.

Armed with signs, clad in traditional regalia and many carrying drums, people from far and wide gathered in the gymnasium of the community center. Speakers were given the opportunity to share their stories and mourn the loss of loved ones. There were members of the community and people in the state and national legislature alike, all demonstrating their support for the cause.

Representative Ruth Buffalo, North Dakota

Mary Kunesh, member of the Minnesota State Senate (and St. Catherine University graduate)

Members of Peggy Flanagan, the lieutenant governor of Minnesota’s team sharing a statement on her behalf

Many other wonderful stories were shared and a moment of silence with called out names of lost loved ones concluded the speeches. Elders at the front, everyone went outside into the rain and began the march. Umbrellas lined the streets along with photographers, supporters and sheriffs directing traffic.

The red clothing of the crowd was a stark contrast to the dreary weather.

A marcher’s sign reading “Justice for the Missing and Murdered”

The line of marchers was long, spanning over a city block.

The march wrapped up with a meal served back at the community center.

It’s always a powerful thing when community members come together to fight for change. Indigenous women and girls are murdered at 10x the rate of all other ethnicities, and though legislation is going through at both the state and federal level, there’s still lots of work that needs to be done to bring justice to those who were lost. To paraphrase one of the speakers, Indigenous women are sacred. The fact that they’re being stolen from their families is a tragedy and an epidemic. One can only hope that today’s events brought healing to the grieving and change to the front of everyone’s minds.
If you’re interested in more information, check out Native Womens Wilderness and MMIW, and be sure to sign this petition to bring justice and awareness.