Goal near for western Canada march to remember missing, murdered women

TERRACE, B.C. – A difficult trek aimed at raising awareness of a tragic problem is less than a week from its conclusion as participants of the Walk for All Missing and Murdered have reached Terrace, B.C.

The walk began nearly two months ago in Norway House, Manitoba, and eight participants, plus their supporters, expect to reach their west coast destination in Prince Rupert, later this week.

The group has made its way along the Yellowhead Highway, passing through Saskatoon, Edmonton and many smaller communities, over the summer.

For the past week, walkers have been travelling along Highway 16, the notorious Highway of Tears between Prince George and Prince Rupert, where police say 19 women were either murdered or vanished over nearly five decades.

Before beginning the final 150 kilometre leg west to Prince Rupert, walk participants are resting in Terrace, where several events are planned, including a workshop for first responders, organized by the local Highway of Tears committee.

Co-ordinator Brenda Wilson-John says the goal of the workshop is to include service providers, such as the RCMP, so everyone can work together on a plan to assist families with missing or murdered loved ones. (CFTK)