For decades, Indigenous women and girls have gone missing along Highway 16, which stretches from Prince Rupert to Prince George in British Columbia. The term Highway of Tears first appeared in the media in 1998, following a vigil led by Florence Naziel to honour missing and murdered loved ones in Terrace, B.C. To address issues affecting Indigenous women and girls, a Highway of Tears Symposium was held in 2006, leading to 33 Recommendations.
20 years down the road in April 2026, another symposium was held to commemorate the 2006 gathering, to honour the memories of lost loved ones, and create a space where voices can be heard. The Highway of Tears Symposium 20th Anniversary was held from April 7 to 10 at the Prince George Civic Centre. This event centred on the theme Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going, bringing together family members, advocates, Elders, community members, people from all over Canada, and representatives from various levels of government, including the RCMP.
The symposium fostered thoughtful discussion about Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse+ (MMIWG2S+) peoples and how transformative changes can be achieved moving forward. Participants reflected on the 33 Recommendations that emerged from the 2006 Symposium, examining both progresses made and the work that lies ahead. Some recommendations have been actioned such as Recommendation 8, leading to cell tower coverage along the Highway. Other recommendations led by CSFS include Recommendation 9, leading to the installation of billboards, and Recommendation 14, which supported media campaigns to raise awareness and prevention. While these efforts mark important steps towards awareness, many recommendations remain in progress or have yet to be fully realized.
The symposium also created space for people from all walks of life to share their approaches to advocacy and lived experiences. The event included keynote presentations, panel discussions, and progress reports. Among the panelists were families who honoured their loved ones, spoke openly about their grief, and called for continued accountability. Youth and young adults also contributed their perspectives, highlighting the importance of ongoing awareness with the younger generations.
The symposium also created space for people from all walks of life to share their approaches to advocacy and lived experiences. The event included keynote presentations, panel discussions, and progress reports. Among the panelists were families who honoured their loved ones, spoke openly about their grief, and called for continued accountability. Youth and young adults also contributed their perspectives, highlighting the importance of ongoing awareness with the younger generations.
The symposium ended with the unveiling of the Pillar of Hope at Cottonwood Island Park, a monument inspired by the 2006 Symposium’s 33 Recommendations. Mary Teegee-Gray, Executive Director of Carrier Sekani Family Services, had envisioned this project four years prior to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls along the Highway of Tears. The collaborative efforts of people who worked tirelessly to achieve the pillar project made it a success. Annie Weinard, CSFS Special Projects Coordinator and Michele Jones, CSFS Director of Justice led the development of the pillars by securing funding, selecting a suitable location, and finding the right artist. Wayne Ward, a skilled woodworker, was brought on as Project Manager to oversee the construction process and provide hands-on woodworking expertise.
The pillar design thoughtfully incorporates aspects of Indigenous culture such as the four seasons, symbolizing the circle of life. Constructed from cedar panels sourced from Indigenous land and adorned with Clayton Gauthier’s drawings, the pillar stands as both a visual tribute and a powerful reminder for action, as families gathered to remember lost loved ones.