Who Is Guadalupe Lopez? New Director of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office

At the end of July 2025, Guadalupe Lopez became the new director of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) office. The MMIR office was created in 2021 to address the high number of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered in the state.

Who Is Guadalupe Lopez? Early Life and Tribal Connection

Guadalupe Lopez is a proud member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Her personal history and deep cultural ties make her role in the MMIR office more than just a job. It is a mission close to her heart.

In interviews, Lopez has shared that she has lost loved ones to violence. She also has blood relatives whose names and faces appear on missing persons posters. This direct connection to the issue motivates her to push for change and justice.

Career in Advocacy

Lopez has dedicated her life to fighting gender-based violence. She was part of the Garden of Truth project, where survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution were interviewed and their voices amplified.

She has worked in areas of domestic violence and sexual violence for many years. Before joining the MMIR office, Lopez served at Violence Free Minnesota, where she closely documented homicides caused by domestic violence in the state.

With this extensive background, her move to the MMIR office felt like a “natural fit.”

Leadership Role at MMIR

As the new director, Lopez has outlined her first priorities:

• Supporting families already connected with the office.

• Building stronger collaboration with the MMIR advisory council.

• Strengthening partnerships with system leaders and tribal communities.

She also emphasized that the office recently completed a strategic plan. This plan will guide the team in meeting the mandates given to them by the state.

Message to Families and the Public

Lopez has promised families that the office will continue to provide support and advocacy. She also reminded the public about Brandon’s Law, which states that there is no 24-hour waiting period to report a missing person.

She stressed the importance of filing a report immediately because research shows that harm often occurs within the first 48 hours. “That window is very small,” she said. “So please, call and make a report.”

Guadalupe Lopez brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to her new role as director of the MMIR office. With her leadership, the office will continue to support families, build stronger systems, and fight for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives in Minnesota.