The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed April 27 to May 3 as Missing Persons Week, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership.
This year's theme, Coming Together for Hope, brings together government officials, police, community leaders and families to honour the province’s more than 140 long-term missing persons.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, Status of Women Minister Alana Ross and RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore joined families and community leaders Monday morning to launch the week’s events.
"Missing Persons Week is an important initiative that allows us to join together as a province to honour each individual who is missing and provide support to their loved ones," McLeod said. "We thank the SMPP and partner organizations for their continued advocacy and work throughout the province to address the issue of long-term missing persons, while we seek to prevent any further cases."
The events aim to raise awareness about missing persons, highlight prevention efforts and safety tools, and recognize organizations that support families and communities.
The morning ceremony was followed by the third annual Walk to Honour the Missing through Wascana Centre. The walk concluded at the Missing Persons Tree and Bench in Arboretum Park, where families placed flowers in memory of loved ones — a symbol that they will never be forgotten.
“Missing Persons Week is a chance to renew our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all residents, especially women and girls,” Ross said. “Let’s continue to raise awareness about missing persons, honour them and support their families.”
Missing Persons Week has been proclaimed each year since 2013. It is organized by the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership, a collaboration between government, police, Indigenous and community organizations. The partnership raises awareness, coordinates policies and legislation, shares prevention tools, and supports services for families of the missing.
For more information on the supports available to families of missing persons, visit: Help for Families of Missing Persons.