(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced the release of license plates to honor missing and murdered indigenous relatives on Feb. 14.

The license plates were made in collaboration with the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office and Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag (gah-GHEE-gay-MICK-when-da-go-ZEE-wahg) Reward Fund Board.

The plate features a red handprint across the face of an Indigenous person, symbolizing the silencing of violence against Indigenous people experiences across generations. It also symbolizes “the dedication to hearing those voices moving forward.”

The new plates became available on Feb. 14, 2024, to coincide with with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day of Remembrance, honoring the memory of missing loved ones.

“Our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives deserve more than just one day,” said MMIR office director Juliet Rudie. “Their cases, as well as their loved ones’ cries for justice, have gone silent for far too long.”

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The plates can be purchased for $15.50 and requires an additional annual contribution to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account.

Funds will go to supporting investigations into missing or murdered Indigenous people.

The license plates strive to promote visibility to the experiences of Indigenous people in Minnesota.

Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag estimates that, between 2012 to 2020, anywhere between 27 to 54 Indigenous women and girls are missing each month.

According to the U.S. Office of Indian Affairs, 84.3% of all Indigenous American and Alaskan women have experienced some form violence. About 56% have experienced sexual violence.

A similar study by the CDC found about 47% of all women have experienced sexual violence.

According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Minnesota Crime Data Explorer, Indigenous people made up 4.41% of all reported homicides or non-negligent manslaughters.

For perspective, Indigenous Americans made up 1.4% of Minnesota total population in 2022.