An emotional gathering took place in South Minneapolis following the deaths of five individuals in what police believe to be gang-related shootings within the Native American community. The scent of sacred sage filled the air as hundreds mourned at Cedar Avenue Field Park.
Among those speaking was Sharon Day, executive director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, who recalled the pain of losing her grandson. “Our people are broken today,” she said, emphasizing the power of kindness in times of grief.
May 1, meant to mark the beginning of American Indian Month, turned somber as celebrations were canceled. “These young people came through our programs—we knew them,” Day said.
Community leaders like Mary Lagarde, of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, echoed the call for healing and support.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara attended the gathering, expressing humility at being welcomed. He acknowledged the community’s plea for safety and affirmed ongoing efforts to investigate the shootings. Despite increased patrols, he noted the department’s limits: “We can’t be everywhere at once.”
As the ceremony ended, attendees stayed behind, comforting each other and calling for peace.
Day urged a focus on nurturing compassion in youth, saying, “We need to raise our young people to be strong, loving, and kind.”
