Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/323637
JUNE 2014 • PAGE 7 Missed an issue? Check out our archive at www.firstnationsvoice.com or for a subscription call 204-697-7598 fAmilY still looking for Answers It has been six years since Bernice and Will Catcheway last saw their daughter. Six years since she called to say she was on her way home for her 18th birthday. Six years of waiting, searching and hoping for answers to their most haunting question: What happened to Jennifer? "Every day I think about her. Every day I wonder and question what happened, where she is," said Jennifer's mom, Bernice. "We're still looking for answers, and we still have hope that we will bring our daughter home." Jennifer Catcheway was heading from Grand Rapids to Portage La Prairie to celebrate her birthday with family when she went missing on June 19, 2008. Since then, her parents have spent countless days with friends and family searching for her. Every sum- mer, the family travels to areas where they have heard rumours or re- ceived information about – Bernice using her vacation time from work to join the search. The family keeps looking right until there is snow on the ground. "If anybody has any information, please let us know. Don't be afraid to share it," said Bernice. "You may think it's insignificant, but to us it could be the missing piece that we need." Each year, they hold a barbeque on Jennifer's birthday – the day that also marks when she went missing. It is their way to celebrate and honour their daughter, and to raise funds to continue searching for her. "Someone knows what happened to Jennifer, they know where she is. This family has waited so long – people need to come forward with any information they have," said Christy Dzikowicz, Director of MissingKids.ca. "This isn't about protecting a friend or family mem- ber by keeping quiet. It's about Jennifer, an 18-year-old girl with her whole life ahead of her – stolen. She deserves better." RCMP continue to actively investigate the case, and are asking for leads from the public. At the time she went missing, Jennifer was 5' 7" tall and weighed about 165 pounds. She had medium-length brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information about Jenni- fer Catcheway's disappearance is urged to contact MissingKids. ca at 1-866-kid-tips (543-8477) or Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. "I wish she was still with us. I miss her every day," said Will Catcheway, Jennifer's father. "I know there are people who are aware of what happened. Just come forward – you could be our missing link to finding her. Keeping silent is not the answer." "I wish she was still with us. I miss her every day, I know there are people who are aware of what happened. Just come forward – you could be our missing link to finding her. Keeping silent is not the answer." Jennifer Catcheway Every second counts if your child goes missing. Download the FREE app today at findmeid.ca NATIONALABORIGINALDAY Celebratingtheachievements andaccomplishments ofallAboriginalpeople. eastsideroadauthority.mb.ca EastSideRoad A U T H O R I T Y 1-866-356-6355