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Another life lost along the Highway of Tears
A sad conclusion to the search for Chelsey Quaw
Deeply sad news yesterday, as shared by Carrier Sekani Family Services:
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Chelsey Heron (Quaw) can confirm that her remains were found in Saik’uz First Nation Territory on the afternoon on November 6, 2023.
Pam Heron, the mother of Chelsey Heron (Quaw), would like people to know that Chelsey was loved and cared for deeply by her family, friends and community: “Chelsey had the most amazing spirit, beautiful strength and independence. Most importantly, she had an incredible impact on those in her life. We will not rest until we get answers.”
The family would like to thank the Nechako Search and Rescue Team; Saik’uz Chief, Council and community; Stellat’en Chief, Council and community; Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS); the RCMP; all the volunteers; and everyone who has provided their support.
“Chelsey was a beautiful soul that was taken from us too soon,” says Mary Teegee, CSFS Executive Director of Child and Family Services, “We need to ensure that something like this never happens again.
There are 33 Highway of Tears Recommendations and 231 Calls for Justice that need our action now.”
The Heron-Quaw family would also like remind everyone that Jay Raphael is still missing and we support all search efforts to bring Jay home.
If you have any information about Jay Raphael or Chelsey Quaw, please contact the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250) 567-2222 with file #2023-477 (Jay) or #2023-2794 (Chelsey). Anonymous tips can be provided to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Here is that report on the calls to action, now almost two decades old.
It is particularly sad that this comes just as Cameron and Charity West are arriving back in Prince George after spending months walking the country to raise awareness around the deaths and disappearance of Indigenous people.
At this point there aren’t many details on Quaw’s death and I don’t know if there will be. Police tend to release information publicly only when they feel there is a need to. I hope the family gets some form of answers, and some form of closure.
Quick news:
Today’s song, for some reason, is in my head:
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