Vigil marks six-month anniversary of Happy Charles’ disappearance

Oct 3, 2017 | 6:00 PM

A candlelight vigil is scheduled tonight in La Ronge, to mark the sixth month anniversary of Happy Charles’ disappearance.

Residents of La Ronge will be congregating at the old residential school grounds on La Ronge Ave., to keep Charles’ memory alive.

“We’re just hoping to raise that awareness, that this type of thing can happen to anybody’s family, anybody, not just us,” Charles’ father Carson Poitras said. “Also to bring our situation to light again, to make the search fresh on everybody’s mind.”

Charles was first reported missing in April of this year, when she went to Prince Albert to pay her bills. She was never seen again after she took the trip. Carson said he hopes tonight’s vigil reminds those who are out hunting to keep a watchful eye out for anything which could lead to his daughter’s discovery.

Regina, Carson’s wife and Charles’ mother, said she’s been in contact with police but there hasn’t been any new updates on their investigations. She said the family hasn’t searched for Charles as often as they did a few months ago, but search efforts still take place.

During the last search early in September, Regina said Bea Kobi, a friend and searcher, brought along her guitar and preformed for searchers while they rested. Regina said the music was uplifting during a difficult time.

Regina said she’s “surviving” the tough situation. With winter coming, neither Regina nor Carson know what to do next.

“We really haven’t thought that far, we’re really hoping she’s found before the snow flies,” Regina said. “We’re hoping for help from the hunters, or even the farmers who go around doing their field stuff.”

Tonight’s gathering will feature bannock and chili along with the vigil, which gets underway at 6 p.m.

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas