In this second year as a federal holiday, the steps of Duluth City Hall were the gathering place to celebrate and honor indigenous peoples.

“It’s been years that Indigenous People’s Day Awareness has happened to bring awareness to the historical issues of boarding school, the assimilation efforts, force removal, and the impacts to tribal nations,” said Rene Ann Goodrich, Duluth Indigenous Commissioner.

The event offered insight into the hardships indigenous tribes have faced throughout history and into the present.

“So, these are teaching moments. These are education moments. These are opportunities to practice our heritage, bring our medicines out, our song, our music, and contribute towards this vibrant community of indigenous peoples. We are still here. We are thriving,” said Goodrich.

It was also another day to bring awareness and an end to Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives.

Peter Martin was last seen on the Fond du Lac reservation in March, but seven months later, Peter remains missing.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: Search is on for missing man from Fond du Lac Reservation – WDIO.com
Search continues for Peter Martin, reported missing March 11 – WDIO.com
Gathering in support of needed assistance in search for missing Peter Martin – WDIO.com
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“We’re all just trying to work together to bring Peter home,” said Kayla Jackson.

Martin’s loved ones gathered in solidarity – continuing the discussion about his disappearance, never losing hope.

“Things like this really support families, like peter’s family, that really needs that extra support and the media coverage. Media coverage is very important to bring awareness about peter and that he’s still missing,” said Jackson.

And as the weather begins to cool, desire for Peter’s return home grows stronger.

“People talking and people coming out and telling us what they hear is super helpful. There’s also even as little as sharing our posts about him, sharing and bringing awareness and putting it out in the community, that we’re still really trying hard to find out,” said Jackson.

If anyone has any information on Peter Martin’s whereabouts, please call 911, contact the Fond du Lac Police Department, or contact the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The case number to reference is 24032470.

The Gaagige Mikwendaagoziwag Local Reward Fund, along with the city of Duluth, offer a reward for information regarding local MMIR cases. The fund was created in honor of Sheila St. Claire, who has been missing in August of 2015, and has yet to be found.