We Remember
The loss of a loved one is always a tragic experience. But the loss of a loved one whose life ends violently shakes you to your core. This page is a place for family members to celebrate and reflect on the lives of murdered Aboriginal women and girls. If you would like more information on how to include your loved one in our We Remember page, please see below.
Daleen Kay Bosse (Muskego)
A strong Onion Lake Cree Nation woman, a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, Daleen Kay Bosse (Muskego) was last seen on May 18, 2004 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Support came from family, friends and the Onion Lake Cree Nation to raise funds, hold marches and do whatever they could to raise awareness about Daleen's disappearance and find out what had happened to her.
Daleen was missing for over four years when her remains were found in August 2008 north of Saskatoon in an isolated rural clearing.
Charges of first-degree murder and indignity to a body have been laid and the preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin in Fall 2009.
In Spring 2009, the University of Saskatchewan will award Daleen with a posthumous teaching degree, to which she was studying before she was tragically taken from us.
“We miss and love her dearly, and think about her everyday. She is the first thing we think about in the morning and the last thing we think about before going to bed.”
-Barbara Houle, Cherisse’s mother
Cherisse Houle
Cherisse Houle was a compassionate girl who loved music and writing. She was a daughter, sister, mother, auntie, cousin, and friend. Family and friends want people to remember Cherisse for who she was, not how she died. Cherisse was just 17 years old when she was found outside Winnipeg in July 2009.
Cherisse is loved and missed by her mother Barbara, sister Jessica, brothers Jordan and Justin, son Traden, extended family and friends. Traden was eighteen months old when his mom died and is now being raised by family.
Cherisse’s mother is heartbroken by the loss of her youngest child. She still talks to her daughter daily, asking her for help on the journey ahead. For Cherisse’s family, that journey includes doing what they can to raise awareness about missing and murdered women, especially Aboriginal women like Cherisse.
While there are still many unanswered questions surrounding her tragic death, the family strongly believes Cherisse was murdered. The person responsible took not only her life, but robbed Traden of his mother and her love. They know Traden would have brought much joy and strength to Cherisse’s life.
Anyone with information about Cherisse’s death is asked to call the Headingley RCMP detachment at 1-204-888-0358 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Shelley Joseph
A Mohawk woman from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario, Shelley Lynne Joseph is remembered as the loving mother of four children. She is also cherished as a beloved daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. On July 2, 2004 Shelley was murdered in Hamilton. She was 40 years old.
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"Tragic News” Our lives were changed by the tragic news By Sheena Joseph, Shelley’s daughter |
"Sometimes I Wish You Were Still Here”
You know there are times in this world when even a You know, even more than I like to admit, from So right now, there’s nothing more in this world I By Ivan Joseph, Shelley’s son |
Kelly Morrisseau
The Morrisseau family has not had any justice regarding the murder of Kelly Morrisseau. They are patiently waiting for this day to come. Any information can be forwarded to the City of Gatineau Police Department's Detective M. LePage.
Kelly was murdered December 10, 2006 in the National Capital Region. She was seven months pregnant.
Georgina Faith Papin
Georgina Faith Papin was born on March 11, 1964 in Edmonton, Alberta. A member of the Enoch Cree First Nation, she is remembered as a talented artist and wonderful cook. Georgina had tremendous pride in her identity as a Cree woman. Traditional dancing, songs, art, and teachings had an important place in her life.
In 2002, Georgina’s remains were found on Robert Pickton’s Port Coquitlam farm. She had been missing for three years. In December 2007, Pickton was convicted of six counts of second degree murder, including the murder of Georgina Papin.
Georgina’s sisters feel robbed. They did not get to spend enough time with their sister. They miss Georgina, and they want us to know her for who she truly was: mother to seven children, a beloved sister, an aunt, and a dear friend to many.
Lisa Faye Sheepskin
Lisa was a young vibrant 18 year old lady when she was tragically taken from us. She was the kind of person who would make a beautiful difference in our world. Lisa was proud of her culture and she was always there to help anyone in need of anything. She loved life, her family, and her friends, even those who just passed by her and smiled or said hi. Lisa will be never be forgotten, although always missed and loved.
Lisa was born January 1st, 1982. She was a great athlete. Lisa did great at whatever she tried. She was in grade 11. Lisa planned to move back to White Bear First Nation where she was from. She loved her family unconditionally and could not wait to start her own. Lisa loved kids. She was always there having fun, spending time with her nieces and nephews.
We love and miss you Lisa.
Lisa was murdered on February 26, 2000 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Beatrice Sinclair
Beatrice Sinclair of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba was a mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. Never forgotten, forever missed.
Beatrice was murdered May 14, 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her case remains unsolved to this day.
Gladys Tolley
Gladys was Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg. She was struck and killed by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) on October 6, 2001. Her daughter, Bridget, believes that the SQ officers that killed Gladys were negligent. Bridget feels the dignity and respect of her mother and family members were greatly breached by all police officers and by the investigating team.
Gladys' family believes the police file was filled with inaccuracies and incongruent reports. Her family does not believe that the investigation procedures were conducted according to accepted practices. The family is calling for an independent investigation regarding the events surrounding the accident as well as a public review of the conduct of the police officers and the homicide team at the scene.
If anyone has information about Gladys’s death, please contact Bridget at tolleyb@hotmail.com or 819.441.1488.
Denise Katherine Bourdeau
Denise Bourdeau is remembered as a woman who could light up any room. She had an easy, beautiful smile and an amazing sense of humour. She was always laughing and joking. Friends and family say Denise laughed with her whole being.
Denise was last seen on New Year’s Eve 2006, celebrating at a family restaurant and bar in Waterloo, Ontario. In April 2007, her remains were found along the Grand River in nearby Kitchener. Witnesses have said she was last seen leaving the restaurant with her boyfriend. Police are treating her death as a homicide.
Family members did not have a funeral for Denise. Instead, they came together to celebrate Denise’s life. Family, friends, former classmates and co-workers gathered to share memories, jokes and laughter. Denise is at peace now, says her mother, Amy Miller. They know she will always be with them. Denise leaves behind three children, two sisters, both parents, nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews.
It has been years since Denise's death and family members are still waiting for answers. Denise's case remains unsolved. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Pyke, Waterloo Regional Police Service at 1-519-653-7700 ext. 8309.
What Gets Me Through Some Days
Denise, when I feel the warmth of the sun shining down on my face, I know it’s you smiling down on me.
When the wind touches my hair, I know it’s you, Denise, giving me butterfly kisses and whispering in my ear telling me how much you love me.
When it rains outside, I know those are your tears, telling me just how much you miss me, Denise.
When I see a rainbow, I just know that it’s you Denise, that has colored it for all the world to enjoy.
Even when it snows, Denise, I know that it’s you sprinkling star dust showing us just how far you have flown and how much fun you are having.
Last but not least, Denise, I know when I am walking down the street, you are ½ a step behind me just like you would do when we were in the shopping malls.
- Amy Lauber-Miller, Denise's Mother
To add your loved one to our We Remember page, please contact us:
By email at sistersinspirit@nwac.ca
By phone at 1-800-461-4043
By mail:
Sisters In Spirit
Native Women's Association of Canada
1 Nicholas Street, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7