Where is the Highway of Tears located? This poignant question brings to mind a tragic chapter in Canadian history. The Highway of Tears, also known as Highway 16, is a stretch of road that runs through northern British Columbia, Canada. It has gained notoriety as a place where many Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered over the years.
The Highway of Tears spans approximately 724 kilometers (450 miles) and starts in Prince George, the largest city in northern British Columbia, and ends in Prince Rupert, a coastal city. This route is notorious for its isolation and lack of law enforcement, making it an ideal location for predators to prey on vulnerable individuals. The region is predominantly inhabited by Indigenous communities, including the Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, and Nisga’a Nations.
The first reported incident on the Highway of Tears occurred in 1969, when 18-year-old Colleen Bower was found dead along the road. Since then, dozens of women and girls have vanished or been found dead, with many more cases still unsolved. The lack of progress in these investigations has led to widespread anger and frustration among the families of the victims, as well as the Indigenous communities affected by this tragedy.
The name “Highway of Tears” was coined by the families of the missing and murdered women, who believe that the road is haunted by the spirits of their loved ones. The term has since become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of the victims’ rights. In response to the crisis, various initiatives have been launched to address the issue, including increased police presence, community awareness campaigns, and the establishment of a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
The Highway of Tears is not just a geographical location; it represents a deeper issue of systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The struggle for justice and healing continues as the families and communities demand accountability and a commitment to ending this tragic chapter in their history. Where is the Highway of Tears located? It is a road that has become a somber reminder of the pain and suffering endured by many, and a call to action for a more just and equitable society.
