Jennifer Catcheway's birthday was this past Wednesday, and her parents continue to raise awareness of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls crisis the nation is experiencing.

"She would have been 29, and we just want to extend birthday greetings, of course, to her," says Bernice Catcheway. "We're letting the public know that we're celebrating her 29th birthday with family and friends at a barbecue at home. It's not our annual fundraising and silent auction event. We're looking to July 20th."

She invites the public to join them in July. This week, though, was a more private time of remembering Jennifer.

"It's her birthday, and we want to honour her and celebrate her life," continues Catcheway. "So, we just thought this year would be a family gathering. They never had their chance. It's always been with the public. The family and siblings asked if we could celebrate it ourselves. As far as our search, it continues."

She notes they've already been searching again this year for over a month in the bush and up north. Catcheway adds they'll continue this summer and in the future as long as their health permits. She says if you have the least little bit of information to put the puzzle together about her absence, please contact the RCMP or herself on Facebook.

The National Inquiry of Missing and Murder Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) final report was released June 3rd, 2019. Bernice says she is hopeful for change.

"I'm glad that it's done," says Catcheway. "Hopefully they will implement these recommendations. It's got to stop -- this epidemic of Indigenous women going missing, it has to stop."

Michéle Audette is the Commissioner of the MMIWG Inquiry and was in the province for the last time concerning MMIWG inquiry on June 11th, and the Catcheways were invited.

While there, the Catcheway family spoke, as did others. Bernice adds it was evident that Audette was there to stand with the families.

 

Family barbecue scenes: