SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Stella Nez Perce (she/her), 36, a beloved Trans-Two Spirit Indigenous woman died on October 3, 2026. She was an innocent victim of gun violence, shot and killed, while riding a Metro Transit light rail train in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota House Queer Legislators Caucus released the following statement:
“We stand in solidarity with Stella’s family, friends, and loved ones during this devasting time. Stella Nez Perce should be alive today. Her life and our Native Trans-Two Spirits lives are sacred and deserve to be celebrated. Together, we honor her memory by talking about how she lived an unapologetically authentic life on her own terms, the positive impact she made on our community, and the kindness she exuded—not by the horrific manner of her death. We’re also clear: Stella deserves to have her memory honored, her death thoroughly investigated, and family and community see justice done. We echo the calls for everyone to continue to uplift Stella’s memory on Transgender Day of Remembrance this November 20.
“To every elected office and Tribal leaders: our Trans-Two Spirit community is still under threat and we need you. As we embark on a new legislative session, the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus will fight fiercely and advocate for the safety and dignity of our Two Spirit, trans, and IndiQueer community.”
Rep. Liish Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth) (Anishinaabe-Ojibwe-Latine), the only serving Trans-Two Spirit nonbinary legislator in the nation, adds, “Stella is our sister, our Indigenous relative, and she deserves to be here today. Our hearts are with her loved ones and our Two Spirit, trans, and Indigiqueer communities as we grieve. Gaagige mikwendagooziwag — she will be remembered forever. But remembrance demands action, especially this Native American Heritage month. We have a sacred responsibility to confront the ongoing colonial violence targeting our Two Spirit-Trans relatives – that means ending the MMIR epidemic restoring a world where our peoples can live with safety, dignity, and sovereignty. We cannot rest until that world exists. Rest in pride, Stella.”
Learn more about the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), including how to access case support, resources, or to submit a tip by visiting: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/offices-missing-murdered/mmir-office
Minnesotans can contribute to Stella’s funeral and memorial fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-stella-nez-perce?cp_src=d
(pictured: Stella Nez Perce. Photo Credit: Nez Perce family)
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