Missing Persons & Persons at Risk Toolkit

Here you will find documents and information that can assist family members with information regarding missing persons or persons at risk. We invite you to browse our resources, download, and print out any forms that will assist you.

Dear families,

This toolkit has been created for families who may unfortunately have to go through the journey of searching for a loved one. This is a journey that my family has been on since July 24, 2008 when our loved one Claudette Osborne-Tyo went missing from Winnipeg, MB.

Our journey began with reporting Claudette missing to the Winnipeg Police where we were given an incident number. We were offered no direction and we were in shock. We felt all alone and we had no idea what to do. Claudette’s photo was not released to the public for ten days and we felt that critical time, and perhaps critical information, may have been lost. We had no idea how to write a media release or that we could ask the police to do one. We created a Facebook page for Claudette and thankfully many people across the country reached out to us and offered us some help. They helped us create a poster and media releases, shared how to hold a vigil and helped to get Claudette’s picture out all over the country.

Without the help of these people I am not sure what our family would have done and we are eternally grateful to those that have supported us throughout this journey. We had no idea where to turn to for support or advocacy in our own city and we truly needed local help in our journey. We quickly found Child Find Manitoba, who have been a consistent support to our family. We have since created a support network with other families who are experiencing a piece of their heart missing. This is a feeling that no other family should have to feel, and this toolkit has been created for that very reason. We hope that this aids you in your journey and please know that you are not alone and that there are lots of people out there who are willing to help.

This toolkit was created by families, for families, so that you never feel alone, in the dark, or have no idea what to do. Our prayers and strength are with you in your journey. May your loved one come home to the family who loves and misses them.

In loving support,

Bernadette Smith (on behalf of the family of Claudette Osborne-Tyo)

To the families

who have contributed to the development of this toolkit,
We gratefully honour your courage, resilience and support.
To the families whom this toolkit finds its way, we hope this information is helpful.
Know our prayers are with you, and you are not alone.

Special thanks to the families of:

Fonassa Bruyere
Jennifer Catcheway
Amber Guiboche
Joanne Hoeppner
Cherisse Houle
Sandi-Lynn Malcolm
Claudette Osborne-Tyo

If you have any questions, or would like more information about this toolkit, we invite you to contact Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.

admin@kanikanichihk.ca