A supporter shared this image of the vigil on Facebook. (Mavis Dennis photo)
Kathleen Martens
APTN News
Mourners wore red Sunday to mark the suspicious death of another Indigenous woman – this time in Smithers, B.C.
Family members and supporters gathered at a vigil in the northern community to remember Jessica Patrick of nearby Lake Babine Nation.
She was 18 and the mother of a young daughter.
RCMP confirm human remains were found and they were awaiting a positive identification.
“That’s all I’ve been told,” said RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Madonna Saunderson in Prince George, B.C.
“I’m waiting to hear back from (the) major crime (unit).”
Saunderson said the RCMP North District Major Crime Unit was working with Smithers RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service on the case.
Patrick was last seen Aug. 21 in Smithers, which is about 1,100 kilometres north of Vancouver.
The community is located along Highway 16, which has been dubbed the Highway of Tears, for a string of murders and disappearances of mainly Indigenous women between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
More than 20 First Nations border the route.
Smithers’ Mayor Taylor Bachrach took part in the vigil that local media reported drew about 300 people.
“My heart goes out to those who knew and loved her,” Bachrach said on Facebook.
He posted that Patrick’s body was found near the community Saturday.
Another media report said her family was involved in searching for her and the discovery of her body.
Smithers was the site of a community hearing by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in September 2017.
The inquiry is wrapping up its evidence gathering and due to issue a final report to the federal government by April 30, 2019, on the factors contributing to ongoing violence against Indigenous women and girls.
It’s something Bachrach acknowledged.
“Let’s come together as a community, support those who are grieving and recommit ourselves to ensuring safety for all women and girls,” he wrote on Facebook.
So sorry to her family and friends …especially her precious baby girl…who will now grow up without her momma…my heart breaks for all feeling the hurt and loss of such a beautiful native woman…..i pray that they find out who did this to her and not let this be yet another statistic…of just another native gone missing or murdered….our lives matter!!!
So sorry to her family and friends …especially her precious baby girl…who will now grow up without her momma…my heart breaks for all feeling the hurt and loss of such a beautiful native woman…..i pray that they find out who did this to her and not let this be yet another statistic…of just another native gone missing or murdered….our lives matter!!!
I feel so bad for all the families that are effected..There has to be a solution to catching the person or persons that are involved..Survalance or something..
I feel so bad for all the families that are effected..There has to be a solution to catching the person or persons that are involved..Survalance or something..
Such extreme sadness felt here! Didn’t know her but still my spirit hurts to hear of such a tragic loss & I couldn’t help but weep! knowing that there is heart break & endless tears now being shed.
Such extreme sadness felt here! Didn’t know her but still my spirit hurts to hear of such a tragic loss & I couldn’t help but weep! knowing that there is heart break & endless tears now being shed.
My thoughts and prayers going out to all family members on the loss of a precious daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and or friend. A beautiful soul gone too soon.
My thoughts and prayers going out to all family members on the loss of a precious daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and or friend. A beautiful soul gone too soon.
Prayers to the family and community. My home town is 30 minutes away I can’t believe this it’s heartbreaking and disgusting people in the community so close can do this to such a young woman. I pray they find who is responsible please help bring justice.
Yes as a Small knit community, Justice needs to be served !! Most of us are angered and hurt by this !! My Deepest Condolences Sent to the Patrick & Mitchell Families !! And many of Jessica’s Friends !!
Sending my heartfelt condolences and Prayers of Love to your family and all who knew you Jessica ❤️
Rest In Peace
❤️❤️❤️
Prayers to the family and community. My home town is 30 minutes away I can’t believe this it’s heartbreaking and disgusting people in the community so close can do this to such a young woman. I pray they find who is responsible please help bring justice.
Yes as a Small knit community, Justice needs to be served !! Most of us are angered and hurt by this !! My Deepest Condolences Sent to the Patrick & Mitchell Families !! And many of Jessica’s Friends !!
Sending my heartfelt condolences and Prayers of Love to your family and all who knew you Jessica ❤️
Rest In Peace
❤️❤️❤️
Sending my deepest condolences to family and friends
My condolences and prayers of healing to the family and friends for your tragic loss
Condolences and prayers for strength for the days to come ❤❤
Seriously, they’re excuse are tiring, just words. There’s nothing being done!! DO SOMETHING, get experts for different fields of the investigation!! How many aboriginal women are murdered, I haven’t heard anything about it, just talk. Seems like they’re just chasing their tails!! This part is not directed to her family.
So sorry for your loss, Prayers for her family!! ❤
Sending my deepest condolences to family and friends
My condolences and prayers of healing to the family and friends for your tragic loss
Condolences and prayers for strength for the days to come ❤❤
Seriously, they’re excuse are tiring, just words. There’s nothing being done!! DO SOMETHING, get experts for different fields of the investigation!! How many aboriginal women are murdered, I haven’t heard anything about it, just talk. Seems like they’re just chasing their tails!! This part is not directed to her family.
So sorry for your loss, Prayers for her family!! ❤