Kristina Ward, a young Indigenous woman, has been missing for seven years, with no leads or information on her whereabouts. Her family continues to gather yearly at the site where she was last seen, in the hopes of sparking someone’s memory who may have seen her on the night she disappeared. Kristina’s parents, LeeAnne and Art Ward, described her as a fun and loving young woman who always wanted to be with her family. They are determined to bring her home and have not given up hope despite the passage of time.
The Ward family’s persistence in seeking answers for Kristina’s disappearance is highlighted during a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of every missing person, including Kristina. Katie Pearson, a Coast Salish member from the Sechelt First Nation, mentioned that September is a difficult time for Indigenous people, and the annual gathering for Kristina serves as a reminder of the unresolved case. The family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information that could provide them with the closure they desperately need.
Cpl. Craig van Herk of Langley RCMP stated that they have received numerous reports, sightings, and tips related to Kristina’s disappearance, but the case remains unsolved. The last known sighting of Kristina was captured on video, showing her walking with a man on a bike. Despite having some leads, the police are still in need of more information to crack the case. Van Herk expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation and urged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward.
The pain of not knowing the whereabouts of their child is described as indescribable by LeeAnne Ward, Kristina’s mother. She emphasized the importance of awareness and hope in their quest to bring Kristina home. As Kristina’s name is now on the list of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, the family continues to seek justice and closure for their daughter. Kristina was described as shy and vulnerable, a young woman who simply wanted to make friends and be part of a community.
The gathering at the site where Kristina was last seen serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing search for answers in her case. The Ward family, along with community members and authorities, are united in their efforts to keep Kristina’s memory alive and to encourage anyone with information to come forward. Despite the challenges and frustrations faced in their search for Kristina, the family remains hopeful that one day they will find the answers they are looking for and bring her home. The community’s support and continued efforts serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of uncertainty and grief.
