Stretching over 725 (435 miles) kilometers through the rugged landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, Highway 16, known as the Highway of Tears, has become infamous for the disappearances and murders of numerous Indigenous women and girls over the past several decades. Since the late 1960s, at least 18 cases have been officially recognized as part of the Highway of Tears investigation, though Indigenous communities believe the real number is closer to 40 or more.
This chilling pattern of violence has led to increased scrutiny of systemic racism, lack of police action, and the dangerous circumstances that many Indigenous women face daily. Despite multiple investigations and national inquiries, many of these cases remain unsolved, leaving families and communities with unanswered questions and a demand for justice.
A Road of Disappearances and Death
The cases linked to the Highway of Tears often follow a disturbing pattern. Many victims were last seen hitchhiking along the highway due to a lack of reliable public transportation in the region. They were young women, many from First Nations communities, who were traveling between towns for school, work, or to visit family. For many, hitchhiking was a necessity rather than a choice.
Victims range from teenagers to young women in their twenties, though there have been reports of missing men and children as well. Some of the most well-known cases include:
Gloria Moody (1969): A 26-year-old Indigenous woman from the Bella Coola First Nation, last seen leaving a bar in Williams Lake. Her body was found two days later.
Monica Jack (1978): A 12-year-old girl abducted while riding her bicycle near Merritt, British Columbia. Her remains were found in 1995. Her killer, Gary Handlen, was convicted in 2019.
Ramona Wilson (1994): A 16-year-old from Smithers, B.C., disappeared while hitchhiking. Her body was found in 1995 near an airport runway.
Tamara Chipman (2005): A 22-year-old who vanished while hitchhiking near Prince Rupert. She has never been found.
These are just a few of the many names that haunt the communities along Highway 16.
Investigations and Theories
Over the years, multiple investigations have attempted to uncover the truth about these disappearances. However, many challenges, such as lack of evidence, delayed responses, and remote locations, have hindered progress.
Theories About the Killers
Several theories have emerged over time, including:
1. Serial Killers – Some believe multiple serial predators have used the highway as a hunting ground, targeting vulnerable women who were alone.
2. Cody Legebokoff – A convicted serial killer, linked to four murders in British Columbia, but not directly tied to Highway 16 cases.
3. Robert Pickton – The notorious pig farmer and serial killer from Vancouver, suspected in the deaths of numerous women, though no confirmed ties to the Highway of Tears.
4. Human Trafficking – Some cases suggest that victims were abducted and possibly trafficked, though conclusive evidence remains elusive.
The RCMP’s E-Pana Task Force
In 2005, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) created the E-Pana Task Force to re-investigate cases of missing and murdered women along Highways 16, 97, and 5. The task force initially focused on 18 cases, but despite its efforts, only a few cases have been solved, and families argue that the investigation has not gone far enough.
Systemic Issues and Criticism
Many Indigenous activists and family members of the victims argue that systemic racism within law enforcement has played a role in the lack of urgency in solving these cases. They cite instances where reports of missing Indigenous women were dismissed or not taken seriously, leading to crucial time lost in investigations.
A 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) concluded that these disappearances were part of a broader pattern of violence and discrimination against Indigenous women in Canada, even calling it a form of genocide.
Government Response and Efforts for Change
In response to public outcry, the Canadian government has taken several steps to address the crisis:
A National Inquiry (2016-2019) – This investigation examined cases across Canada and released a final report with 231 calls to action to improve law enforcement response, public safety, and Indigenous rights.
Funding for Public Transportation – In 2017, the government announced new funding for bus services to provide safer alternatives for Indigenous women traveling along Highway 16.
Increased Awareness – Community-led efforts and advocacy groups continue to push for justice, safety improvements, and better resources for victims’ families.
However, many argue that these efforts are still insufficient, and more must be done to bring justice to the victims and prevent future tragedies.
The Fight for Justice Continues
The Highway of Tears remains a tragic symbol of neglect, discrimination, and the dangers faced by Indigenous women in Canada. While some progress has been made, many cases remain unsolved, and families continue to wait for answers. The fight for justice is ongoing, with Indigenous activists, families, and community leaders pushing for more thorough investigations, greater accountability, and real change.
As awareness grows, so does the hope that one day, the disappearances and deaths along the Highway of Tears will no longer be an unsolved mystery but a case of justice finally served.
What You Can Do
If you want to help, bring attention to the Highway of Tears cases, consider:
Supporting Indigenous Advocacy Groups – Organizations like the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) work to raise awareness and support affected families.
Educating Yourself and Others – Share information about the crisis to keep the conversation going.
Pressuring Government Officials – Demand that authorities take more action to solve these cases and improve protections for Indigenous women.
The Highway of Tears is not just a tragic chapter in Canada’s history, it is an ongoing crisis. Only through awareness, action, and justice, can we bring an end to the violence and prevent more lives from being lost.
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