Dozens march the streets of Winnipeg in honour of Tanya Nepinak

13 years after Tanya Nepinak went missing, family members and supporters marched through the streets of Winnipeg to call for justice and celebrate what would be Tanya's birthday. Mitchell Ringos reports

Thirteen years after Tanya Nepinak went missing, family members and supporters marched through the streets of Winnipeg as you can see behind me, calling for justice and for the first time in years, as they celebrate what would be Tanya’s birthday.

In October of 2012, Winnipeg police started searching the Brady Road Landfill for Tanya Nepinak, however, she was never found, leading to Tanya’s aunt Sue Caribou holding yearly vigils, which have been focused on a call for justice.

This year’s walk has greater meaning, as Caribou says it’s the first time they have celebrated her birthday in 13 years.

Dozens march the streets of Winnipeg in honour of Tanya Nepinak. (Photo Credit: Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)

“Today I’m taking back my beautiful niece’s birthday, and I am going to celebrate her life and make sure she’s not forgotten,” said Caribou. “I sit by that window every night and watch, maybe one day she will be walking by.”

The march made its way all the way to the Oodena Circle at the forks, where handwritten notes were thrown into the fire for Tanya, and a cake for her bday, with candles blown out by her aunt. 

“These are children, these are people that have gone missing, and these families need closure and it’s so important that they at least have that because that’s so important,” said Kristine Jhonston, Sisters in Solidarity.

Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy spoke about what today meant, as she was part of the search at the Brady Landfill in 2012.

“I came here today to let them know that I still remember her and how much she means to me and I’m glad we had this walk,” said Kennedy.

Caribou says while she appreciates that a search is taking place at the Prairie Green Landfill, she hopes the province will go back there and re-search for Tanya.

“To me all the landfills are a crime scene, I’m pretty sure most of our missing and murdered people are at these landfills,” said Caribou.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today