Juanita Migwans, 30, hasn't been seen or heard from since Oct. 2. Her family believes she's been abducted, possibly by drug dealers. Submitted photo
The family of a First Nations woman who’s been missing for more than two weeks in Ontario fear that she may have been abducted by drug dealers – possibly from Toronto – who have been infiltrating small First Nations north of the big city.
Juanita Migwans, 30, was last at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, about 500 km northwest of Toronto.
“Juanita’s life hasn’t been an easy one in recent years” wrote her aunt, Mary Ashcroft, in a social media post.
Migwans was reported missing on Oct. 7 and her family has been upfront about her battle with addictions believing they may have played a part in her disappearance, including the drug dealers she knew.
“Our fear is they may have taken her against her will. She could be anywhere,” said Ashcroft, who wrote in her post two days ago that there’s been no activity on her niece’s bank account.
APTN confirmed with Ashcroft nothing has changed.
APTN also spoke with the father of Migwans, Morris Ashcroft, who said he’s doing “as well as anyone would be who has a daughter missing.”
Morris said everyone knows big-city drug dealers have moved into the small First Nations north of Toronto.
He pleaded with people to wake up and do something.
“Urge your band councils to ban these people (drug dealers) from reserves,” Morris said.
“It needs to be dealt with severely.”
He provided more information about the family’s suspicions, which APTN has promised to look into.
Hundreds of people have died from drug overdoses in the area, including Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, over the last five years.
And the drug dealers just keep coming.
APTN began looking into the crisis this past summer and played a part in sending one alleged drug dealer back home to Toronto in the investigative documentary, The Great Change, which also looks at the impact these dealers have on smaller First Nations, such as Wasauksing next to Parry Sound, about 200 kms southeast of Manitoulin Island.
Migwans’ disappearance is being handled by the Ontario Provincial Police crime unit on Manitoulin Island in conjunction with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police and under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch, according to a media release.
Migwans is described as an Indigenous female, with a slim build, approximately 5’6″ (168 cm) and 110 pounds (50 kgs) with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with any information relating to this investigation or the whereabouts of Juanita should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the nearest police authority.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
APTN reporter Kenneth Jackson also continues to look into drug dealers across the Robinson Huron territory. He can be reached at 613-325-6073 or by email at [email protected]
