The Highway of Tears (And Maybe Hope)
In this Stuff You Should Know episode, the "Highway of Tears" refers to a stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, where numerous women, predominantly Indigenous, have fallen victim to murder or disappearance over decades. The hosts delve into the systemic issues, including poverty, violence, and cultural disruptions, that have enabled these crimes. They also discuss the limited official responses and community-led efforts to raise awareness and demand justice.
The summary sheds light on the tragic phenomenon, highlighting the marginalization faced by Indigenous women and girls. It examines the failures of authorities to adequately address the crisis, as well as the perseverance of victims' families and activists in bringing attention to this troubling issue.
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1-Page Summary
History and Context of "Highway of Tears"
The "Highway of Tears" refers to a 450-mile stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, where many women, predominantly Indigenous, have been murdered or gone missing over decades. The 1969 murder of Lavinia Moody marked the start of this tragic series of crimes.
Systemic Issues and Failures Enabling These Crimes
Indigenous women and girls have faced systemic marginalization and neglect, stemming from poverty, violence, and cultural disruptions like residential schools, according to Chuck Bryant. The RCMP has been criticized for dismissive attitudes and insufficient responses when Indigenous women went missing. Moreover, the phenomenon of "missing white woman syndrome" highlights unequal media and police focus on non-Indigenous versus Indigenous victims.
Community-Led Efforts to Raise Awareness and Demand Justice
Despite limited resources, victims' families and Indigenous activists have highlighted this crisis through memorial walks, art installations, and awareness campaigns like Red Dress Day. The Carrier Sekani Family Services proposed hopeful billboard messaging but faced resistance from some who felt the situation hadn't improved enough.
Official Responses and Initiatives to Address the Problem
In 2005, the RCMP launched Project E-Pana to investigate these crimes, identifying suspects like serial killer Bobby Jack Fowler. However, the project faced funding and staffing constraints. To improve safety, new bus routes were introduced, and cell towers erected along Highway 16, but hitchhiking persists due to transportation needs.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples to foster understanding and empathy. Start by reading books or online resources created by Indigenous authors and educators, which can provide a deeper insight into the challenges faced by these communities. For example, "21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act" by Bob Joseph offers a comprehensive look at the legislation affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.
- Support Indigenous artists and businesses to contribute to economic empowerment. Purchase art, clothing, or other goods from Indigenous creators or stores, either locally or online. This not only helps to sustain their livelihoods but also spreads cultural awareness through the items they create. Websites like From the North (fromthenorth.ca) showcase a variety of products made by Indigenous artisans from across Canada.
- Volunteer your time or donate to organizations that work towards improving safety and support for Indigenous women. Look for local or national groups that focus on these issues and see how you can help, whether through fundraising, spreading awareness, or participating in community programs. The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is one such organization that offers various ways for individuals to get involved and make a difference.
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History and Context of "Highway of Tears"
Looking into the tragic events along a notorious stretch of road in British Columbia reveals a string of heinous crimes, particularly affecting indigenous women, and the subsequent investigation efforts.
Highway of Tears: 450-mile Stretch in British Columbia Where Many Women, Primarily Indigenous, Have Been Murdered or Gone Missing
The "Highway of Tears" is the informal name given to the 720-kilometer (almost 450-mile) segment of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, extending from Prince Rupert to Prince George. Due to its secluded and bleak landscape, this road has been the site of repeated crimes where women, predominately Indigenous, have been targeted by perpetrators.
Victim Lavinia Moody Was Murdered On Highway 16 In 1969, Starting a Series of Devastating Crimes
The murder of Lavinia Gloria Moody in 1969 along Highway 16 marks the commencement of what would become known as the Highway of Tears crimes. Over time, many women have been murdered or have disappeared in this area, generating a climate of fear and tragedy. Initially, the series of crimes were referred to as the Highway Murders.
Highway Murders
The murders on this highway were not isolated to any specific ethnic group, as both indigenous women and white women have fallen victim. Monica Jacks was thought to be one of the youngest, potentially dying in the late 1970s. The cases of Ramona, Roxanne, and Leah, who were all murdered in the same area in 1994, Alberta Williams in 1989, Delphine Nicole in 1990, college student Lana Derek in 1995, Tamara Chipman in 2005, and Alia Sarik Auger in 2006, among others, have exacerbated the somber legacy of this route.
Rcmp Detectives Compare Notes In 1981, Laying Groundwork for "Project E-Pana."
Advocacy groups believe the number of missing or murde ...
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History and Context of "Highway of Tears"
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can raise awareness by sharing information on social media about the Highway of Tears, focusing on the human stories rather than just statistics. Create posts that honor the victims' memories and educate your followers about the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities, using hashtags to increase visibility.
- Start a virtual book club that reads and discusses works by Indigenous authors, aiming to deepen understanding of the cultural context surrounding the Highway of Tears. Select books that explore themes of Indigenous history, systemic issues, and personal narratives, then meet regularly via video chat to discuss insights and reflections.
- Encourage local businesses to sup ...
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Systemic Issues and Failures Enabling These Crimes
The discussion unfolds around the systemic issues that allow the crimes against Indigenous women and girls to persist, notably along the Highway of Tears in Canada.
Indigenous Women and Girls, a Vulnerable Population, Were Marginalized and Neglected by Authorities For Decades
Poverty, Resource Scarcity, and Residential School Legacy Impact Indigenous Communities
Indigenous populations in Canada have historically faced cultural and family breakups, which have led to continued poverty, violence, and deaths of despair in the community. This breakdown of the social fabric is a result of the legacies of residential schools and the systemic disruption of Indigenous cultures.
RCMP Criticized For Neglecting Cases, Insufficient Resources, and Complicity in Abuses Against Indigenous Women
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been severely criticized for their handling of cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous women along the Highway of Tears. Families reporting missing daughters frequently encountered dismissive attitudes from the police, who sometimes suggested that the women were probably on a "week-long bender."
It's reported that Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to go missing or be murdered than the general population in Canada, with even higher statistics in the U.S. These facts underscore the systemic neglect and marginalization these communities face. An inquiry into the issue noted that the challenges faced by Native American tribes—including poverty, sex work, alcoholism, and drug addiction—were not prevalent before the disruption of their culture by Euro-Canadians.
Chuck Bryant emphasizes the lack of trust for the RCMP among communities affected due to their insufficient response to the crisis and, worse, examples of abuse including rape, other sexual assaults, and general hostility.
"Missing White Woman Syndrome" Reveals Unequal Media and Police ...
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Systemic Issues and Failures Enabling These Crimes
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the history and culture of Indigenous communities by reading books or watching documentaries created by Indigenous authors and filmmakers. This knowledge will help you understand the context behind the issues faced by these communities and foster empathy. For example, seek out works like "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King or documentaries such as "We Were Children" to gain a deeper understanding of the legacy of residential schools.
- Support Indigenous artists and businesses by purchasing their products or services, which contributes to economic empowerment and helps address poverty within Indigenous communities. Look for authentic Indigenous-owned businesses online or in your area, and consider buying art, clothing, or other goods that directly benefit the creators and their communities.
- Engage in conversations with your peers to raise awareness about the disparities in me ...
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Community-Led Efforts to Raise Awareness and Demand Justice
Community members, including victims' families and Indigenous activists, have tirelessly worked to highlight the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, despite facing challenges such as limited resources and support from authorities.
Victims' Families and Indigenous Activists Highlight Crisis
Memorial Walks and the Coining of "Highway of Tears"
Through various forms of activism, Indigenous communities and victims' families have brought attention to the crisis. One significant project is that of artist Jamie Black, who created installations of empty red dresses in public spaces to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women. These installations raised awareness and led to the recognition of May 5th as Red Dress Day in Canada since 2010, commemorating these women and girls.
Additionally, the term "Highway of Tears" was coined to signify a stretch of road where numerous Indigenous women have disappeared or been found murdered. This term has both memorialized the victims and pushed the crisis into the public consciousness.
Community Pressure Forced Authorities to Act Despite Limited Resources
The Carrier Sekani Family Services, part of the Highway of Tears initiative, took action by proposing changes to the image of certain billboards. Traditionally, the billboards featured pictures of victims and warned of the dangers of hitchhiking, suggesting a climate of fear and caution. However, the new designs ai ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Community-Led Efforts to Raise Awareness and Demand Justice
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the history and current issues facing Indigenous communities by reading books, articles, and reports from credible sources. Understanding the context of the crisis helps you become a more informed advocate and ally. For example, reading "Highway of Tears" by Jessica McDiarmid provides a deep dive into the specific issue mentioned, while "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King offers a broader historical perspective.
- Consider supporting Indigenous artists and businesses as a way to contribute to the economic empowerment of these communities. Purchasing art, clothing, or other goods from Indigenous creators can help foster resilience and hope. Websites like Beyond Buckskin and From the People offer platforms where you can find and support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Engage in resp ...
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Official Responses and Initiatives to Address the Problem
Government and law enforcement authorities have taken various initiatives to address the murders and disappearances along the Highway of Tears, including the establishment of special projects, improvements in transportation safety, and infrastructure enhancements.
2005: RCMP Launched "Project E-Pana" to Investigate Pattern Cases of Murders and Disappearances
The RCMP launched Project E-Pana in 2005 to investigate the cases of murders and disappearances along the Highway of Tears. The project's name, inspired by an Inuit goddess, signifies care for souls in the afterlife.
Project Identified Serial Killer Bobby Jack Fowler but Faced Funding and Staffing Limitations, Reducing Long-Term Effectiveness
Initially, the project showed promise in identifying commonalities in cases dating back to 1994, but it faced significant obstacles due to underfunding and staffing reductions. By 2022, personnel assigned to the project had dropped from 60 to just six officers, severely hindering the ability to add and investigate new cases. The complexity of crimes, often categorized as stranger-on-stranger violence, further impeded progress due to the lack of leads. Additionally, there has been acknowledgment within the investigating team that some cases may remain unsolved, despite families offering potential suspects.
In terms of progress, Bobby Jack Fowler was identified posthumously in 2012 as the perpetrator in the 1974 murder of Colleen McMillan and as a suspect in additional cases. Although deceased in 2006, DNA evidence connected Fowler to multiple murders, potentially up to 20 more.
Improving Safety and Transport for Vulnerable Travelers
To address transportation and safety issues, British Columbia Transit initiated three new bus routes along Highway 16 following a 2006 summit. Even then, Greyhound's reduction of services in 2019 due to profitability issues led to an uptick in hitchhiking, a common and necessary means of transportation for local work and survival.
Bus Service Redu ...
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Official Responses and Initiatives to Address the Problem
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can support safety initiatives by volunteering with or donating to organizations that work on similar issues as the Highway of Tears Initiative. By contributing your time or resources, you help sustain the efforts of those who, like Brenda Wilson, may be working without pay. For example, search for local non-profits focused on community safety and offer to assist with administrative tasks or community outreach.
- Create awareness by sharing information on social media about the importance of infrastructure like cell phone towers in remote areas. Use your platforms to highlight how such developments can save lives and improve safety for travelers. You might create infographics or share articles that discuss the impact of these towers on emergency response times and public safety.
- Advocate for continued and increased transportation services in your community by writing to local representat ...
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