NORTH BATTLEFORD — Family and supporters took to the streets on July 10 to raise awareness that North Battleford woman Ashley Morin is still missing.
Morin, then 31, of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was last seen on July 10, 2018, in North Battleford — seven years ago.
The awareness walk started outside the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford and continued to North Battleford Library Park, where guest speakers offered their thoughts.
As one of the banners in the walk read: "Bring Ash Home. Not invisible. Not forgotten."
"I'm hoping that this walk will bring more tips," said Ashley's sister Janine Morin. "If they know something, speak up. That's what I'm hoping. I'm hoping somebody comes forward and brings the tip we need to bring her home."
Morin said it's a struggle for the family trying to cope with not knowing where Ashley is.
"We're coping the best way that we can, waking up each day hoping to get that tip to come in," she said.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Historical Case Unit continues to actively investigate Morin’s disappearance, which investigators believe to be a homicide.
A search for Ashley Morin last month led to an increased police presence along rivers in the Battlefords area.
Officers with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT), Historical Case Unit (HCU), and Battlefords RCMP detachment, along with Saskatchewan RCMP Search and Rescue (SAR), searched parts of the river and riverbanks as part of the investigation.
Battlefords RCMP Detachment Commander, Inspector Ryan How, said police continue to support the family of Ashley Morin as they hope for closure.
"We certainly appreciate the invitation and being involved in the family's planning," he said following the walk. "This has been a wonderful turnout. We absolutely support the efforts to keep the memories alive and keep this as a forefront topic for everybody to talk about. The RCMP certainly are not putting these cases on the back burner. They are definitely a priority for us. Our specialized units are working hard behind the scenes. As for the detachment, we're doing everything we can to support the families, publicly and privately."
North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin was among those taking part in the walk.
"It's important for us to stand with our community members," she said. "Obviously, Ashley Morin's family is grieving. This is a family in our community that is looking for answers on what happened to Ashley Morin. It's important for us to keep standing by these families as they search for answers, and support them through this very difficult journey."
