Viral video raising questions around other missing people last seen in Winnipeg hotel

A video that is being highly circulated, showing an Indigenous woman with her hands tied behind her back as she tried to leave the Marlborough Hotel is now prompting renewed concern about missing people last seen at the downtown Winnipeg hotel.

“It’s very difficult at times. Because I go back, and I have to relive that trauma of having my son go missing. It’s been almost 10 years now that his case has been on the missing file,” said Lydia Daniels the mother of Colten Pratt, an Indigenous young man last seen in downtown Winnipeg in November of 2014 before being reported missing.

According to Daniels one of the last few locations Pratt was last seen was at the Marlborough Hotel, but his mother does not believe the hotel played any role in the disappearance of Pratt.

“It’s been a long time and then to have it come up on social media, it just brings back all those hurts and those pains. It’s been a tough couple of days. It’s hard to function. I’m still in suspended grief, so it brings up a lot of hard feelings,” explained Daniels.

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Aunt Jacqueline Daniels says Pratt had an ambitious life ahead of him.

“I’m very appreciative that people are sharing,” said Jacqueline Daniels.

“He had big dreams he wanted to get into media. He was a really funny guy. He loved music and was a typical young man.”

Winnipeg Police tell CityNews Pratt is still considered a missing person, with them following up on all tips made to the Missing Persons Unit.

Lydia says while she believes her son may be possibly dead, the lack of information has not provided the closure she needs.

“We need those tips,” Lydia said. “It could help bring him home and that’s what I’m hoping it’s been 10 years long. It’s been a long time. I miss my son greatly. He’s such an awesome person.”

While more people share her son’s story, Lydia is also calling for a renewed focus on the cases of all missing Indigenous peoples.

“I was given this title of ‘Mother of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Son.’ That’s a hard title to carry, unfortunately. Hopefully, I can help people who are going through the same thing. Reach out to people and come talk to me.”