The idea of justice and closure after losing loved ones was fresh in the minds of those participating in the Prince Albert ‘Honour Our Brothers and Sisters Memorial Walk’ on Thursday.
The different stages of grief were all represented – from those who have lost loved ones decades ago, to those who have lost loved ones within the past year.
Dozens of family members and friends of Metis woman Danielle Nyland were among them, all wearing black shirts with her photo on them. Nyland went missing last summer and her body was found after intensive search efforts.
Just a few weeks ago, RCMP officially labeled her death as suspicious. Nyland’s mother Lori says that long wait hasn’t been easy.
“(I was) a little bit frustrated just wanting answers,” she said.
More answers would help her find closure, she added.
“It would be a great help just to give myself and all my family and friends closure so life can get easier,” she said. “It doesn’t go off my mind, so closure would be closing a chapter – that chapter I guess.”
Beatrice Adam’s mother and father speak at Kinsmen Park.
The Thursday walk stopped at Kinsmen Park to hear about Beatrice Adam, a 36-year-old mother who went missing and was found in the river nearly two years ago.
Diane Arcand grew up with both Adam and her boyfriend Timothy Charlette, who remains missing to this day.
“It’s very touching and honouring to be here and take part of this whole experience and to see all of the support, not just for us but for Monica (Burns) and Danielle (Nyland),” she said.
It’s bittersweet to be walking in Adam and Charlette’s memory, Arcand said, because they used to participate in walks like this.
“It’s hard but meaningful,” she said.
The two used to check in frequently with their loved ones, despite issues with addictions. Adam’s father spoke tearfully to dozens of people during the walk, saying questions remain in her and Charlette’s disappearance. He added that Adam’s children struggle with social issues as well.
The walk wrapped up Senator Allen Bird Memorial Center. Along the way they stopped to remember Danielle Nyland, Beatrice Adam, Monica Burns, and the community of La Loche.
Monica Burns’ accused killer is scheduled to go to trial in December.
