REGINA — At the request of the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership (SMPP), the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 3 to 9 as Missing Persons Week in Saskatchewan. The week recognizes the importance of supporting families, raising public awareness and honouring missing persons across the province.
"Missing Persons Week is a dedicated time to pause, reflect and bring focused attention to the realities faced by the families and friends of missing people," Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C., said. "It is a time not only to honour those who are missing, but to support their loved ones while strengthening public awareness across Saskatchewan."
Since 2013, Missing Persons Week has been proclaimed annually in Saskatchewan. The SMPP is a unique collaboration between government, police agencies, and Indigenous and community-based organizations. The SMPP helps raise awareness about missing persons issues, works to coordinate policies and legislation, shares prevention and safety tools, and supports agencies that provide services to families when people go missing.
"Missing Persons Week is a time to honour those who are missing and support loved ones who live with unanswered questions," Director of Education and Programming, Caring Hearts Saskatchewan, Danyelle Renaud, (RP, C.C.C.), said. "Community-based, culturally responsive care helps people hold space for love and not knowing at the same time, find strength within self and in community, and feel less alone. The SMPP works together to show the families and communities of missing persons that they are not forgotten and that their stories, pain, and ongoing resilience matter."
To raise awareness about the issue of missing persons, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General and the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership are taking a renewed, community-based approach by supporting local events through targeted grants. This approach will allow families and communities to participate closer to home.
Provincial grants will support local community events in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina. These gatherings will allow more families and communities to participate in familiar environments where they feel supported and understood.
Information on Missing Persons Week events and available supports will be shared by partner organizations.
For more information on supports available to families of missing persons, visit the Government of Saskatchewan's missing persons resources at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/Residents/Family-and-Social-Support/Help-for-Families-of-Missing-or-Murdered-Persons
