MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety unveiled a new series of billboards meant to raise awareness about missing Indigenous relatives in the state.
Eight billboards feature eight missing Indigenous people from Minnesota: Leo Coleman Cortez, Kateri Mishow, Mato Dow, Nevaeh Kingbird, Melissa Eagle Shield, Melissa Burt, Jeremy Jourdain and April Geyer.
The DPS says the billboards can be seen in Minneapolis, Burnsville, Shoreview, Mounds View, Maplewood and Columbus Township.
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) office worked with Missing Children Minnesota and Clear Channel Communication on the billboards. Clear Channel Communication leased the billboard space for a $1 contract, according to the DPS.
“Highlighting these cases brings hope to families who have previously felt like they are the only ones looking for their loved ones,” MMIR Director Juliet Rudie said. “We are asking for the public’s help to assist law enforcement in solving these MMIR cases. It’s truly a community restorative justice process.”