Tanya Nepinak’s family finds hope in promise to search Brady Landfill for Ashlee Shingoose

The family of Tanya Nepinak, a woman who vanished in 2011 and is believed to be buried at the Brady Landfill, says they have renewed hope for searching for her remains after the province announced Wednesday that they will search the same landfill for the remains of Ashlee Shingoose.

“I think it would only be fair if they search the whole landfill, because a lot of us would get closure, not only me but other families that have a loved one missing,” said Sue Caribou, Tanya Nepinak’s aunt.

“I’m seeing light toward this search because they might find Tanya, and other missing loved ones,” added Caribou.

AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson was non-committal when asked at Wednesday’s press conference if Tanya would be included in the landfill search, though she acknowledged that further discussion was needed.

“We hear a strong message that we don’t leave anybody behind,” said Wilson. “Today, I want to support the Shingoose family. There’s a lot of emotions and love that we need to share with them, and so we’ll just leave it at that. There will be conversations for another day.”

Caribou agrees that the Shingoose family needs love and support during this time, and though there are no assurances, she says the fact that the province is taking action to find her is a good sign, as she continues her fight to bring her niece home after nearly 15 years.

“It gives me a lot more courage, and I haven’t ever given up on my niece,” said Caribou. “I have not done that. I had my health go down, but I’ve still been pushing for her to be brought home.”