Bear Henry was found safe on Feb. 9. An update can be found here.
The previous version of this article is below.
A vigil was held on Saturday at Beacon Hill Park for Bear Henry, a 37-year-old Indigenous person, who has been missing since Nov. 27 after setting off for Fairy Creek.
Henry’s family and friends have not heard from them since and multiple searches have turned up empty, but the community remains hopeful that they’re alive and safe.
“It’s very unusual for Bear not to be in contact with people,” said their aunt Rose Henry. “So, we’re like, ‘Where [are they]? What happened?'”
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking. I keep hoping for word. I keep hoping for a phone call, ‘sorry to worry you, mom. I’m here,’ but it’s been so difficult. This has been the most painful experience of my life,” said Eileen Henry, Bear Henry’s mother.
She said she’s grateful for the community’s support and still has hope that Bear will come back home.
Hugs, smiles and stories were shared at the vigil and while the mood was optimistic, some loved ones are starting to feel discouraged.
“I found myself in the last few days where the hopefulness was disappearing,” said Rose.
According to RCMP, 1,017 Indigenous women and girls were killed or went missing between 1980 and 2012, but the Native Women’s Association of Canada reports that number could be as high as 4,000.
“It’s not good when you see the numbers growing with the amount of missing and murdered Indigenous people throughout Canada,” said Rose.
RCMP are continuing to investigate the case which remains active and ongoing.
“We’ve used our helicopters in the air that are flying over the area to keep an eye open for that vehicle and any persons who might be in the area,” said Sgt. Chris Manseau, the communications officer with the RCMP.
Anyone with information about where Henry might be is urged to contact VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 Ext. 1. or call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tahmina Aziz
