Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) office has a new director. Guadalupe Lopez, a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, assumed leadership in July 2023. Established in 2021, the MMIR office addresses the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous individuals, particularly focusing on the missing and murdered.
Lopez’s appointment brings a wealth of experience in advocacy, particularly in areas related to gender-based violence. She emphasized the personal significance of her new role, stating, “I personally had people lose their life to violence, and I have blood relatives that are on some of those posters that we share.” Her commitment to the position stems from a desire to collaborate closely with tribal leaders, legislators, and community advocates to drive meaningful change.
Background and Experience
Prior to her role at the MMIR office, Lopez dedicated her career to issues surrounding gender-based violence. She was part of the Garden of Truth initiative, which focused on interviewing survivors and families impacted by sex trafficking and prostitution. Additionally, her work with Violence Free Minnesota involved documenting domestic violence homicides, further underlining her commitment to addressing violence in Indigenous communities.
Reflecting on her work, Lopez acknowledged the intertwining of various forms of violence, including those related to missing and murdered individuals. “This role is really near and dear to my heart,” she noted, highlighting her personal connection to the cause.
Immediate Priorities and Long-term Goals
Although Lopez has only been in her position for a short time, she has already identified key priorities. Maintaining and strengthening relationships with families affected by the issues the office addresses is paramount. “Top of my priorities is to continue to work with the families that this office has established relationships with,” she stated. Lopez aims to further enhance collaboration with the advisory council and other system partners to provide comprehensive support to impacted communities.
Looking ahead, the MMIR office recently conducted a strategic planning session to outline long-term objectives. Lopez expressed her determination to develop actionable pathways that align with the office’s mandates. “We are going to be working on that and developing pathways of how to get that work done,” she explained.
Lopez also took the opportunity to inform the public about important legal changes regarding missing persons. Under Brandon’s Law, there is no waiting period to file a missing person’s report. She highlighted the critical nature of the first 48 hours when someone goes missing, urging families to act swiftly. “So, just please call. Make a police report,” she advised.
With her extensive advocacy background and personal commitment to addressing these pressing issues, Lopez aims to drive change within the MMIR office. Her leadership is poised to enhance support for Indigenous families grappling with the devastating impact of violence in their communities.
