With the theme, “Stories not Statistics”, the 11th Missing Persons Week being observed in Saskatchewan is aiming to see the people and the stories of their lives.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is honouring the thousands of people who go missing each year in the province by bringing the humanity of their lives to the fore.
Still, it notes that last year, 2,533 individuals were reported missing to detachments. Of the 550 missing males, 450 missing females and 1,150 youths reported missing in 2023, Kristopher Billette of Buffalo River Dene Nation, Byron Watson of Maple Creek, and William “Michael” Neuman of Canora remain missing. More details on Saskatchewan’s long-term missing persons are available online.
The province held its second Walk to Honour the Missing in Wascana Park on Monday.
“Saskatchewan’s long-term missing are more than just statistics in police files,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre. “They are loved and deeply missed by their families and friends, and we hope that, as we mark Missing Persons Week, we can help support loved ones, while raising awareness about missing person cases in Saskatchewan.”
On Friday, in Lloydminster, the Native Friendship Centre will host events to mark Red Dress Day beginning at 10:30 a.m. The group will lead a walk downtown from City Hall at noon. A luncheon will follow at which a family will share about their missing loved one.