Participants in the Ashley Morin Walk return off the highway on Sunday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Journey of hope

Walk to raise awareness of missing North Battleford woman Ashley Morin returns home

Jul 13, 2020 | 9:26 AM

Shouting “Bring Ash Home,” their voices filled downtown North Battleford Sunday when the participants in the walk for missing woman Ashley Morin returned.

About 30 walkers and 20 vehicles participated in the event, travelling along the highway from Saskatoon Friday for the three-day journey.

Many wore face masks as a COVID-19 precaution and attempted to social distance between families. Some wore tensor bandages around their feet and ankles, aching and tired from the long journey.

Family spokesperson Krista Fox said the walk will continue each year, to raise awareness that Morin is still missing.

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“In case anybody has forgotten. In case people think that Ashley’s family has given up, think again,” she said to those gathered for a meal in a outdoor space off 100 Street when the walk finally concluded at about 6:30 p.m.

This is the second year of the three-day walk for Morin who disappeared in July of 2018.

Ashley Morin’s mother, Diane, left, clutches the hand of Dorthea Swiftwolfe, who is involved with Victim Services, during the walk into North Battleford. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

Morin’s cousin Mike Bird said he hopes people who saw the walk, and pictures of Morin’s face on the signage and posters will remember her.

“We’re hoping that alone hits people,” he said. “Hopefully people understand what my family is going through, especially Ashley’s mum and dad, and her siblings, the pain that they go through each and every day.”

Bird asks anyone with any information on Morin’s whereabouts to come forward, and leave a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers or contact one of the family members.

“It’s just so we can try and bring her home,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Mitch Daigneault from Fishing Lake First Nation visited North Battleford Sunday to greet those returning from the Walk for Ashley Morin.

Daigneault sang his song called the Red Dress.

He said it was written with Morin in mind after he heard she went missing.

“I did know some of the family. As soon as I heard about the whole thing it really hit home because I realized it was somebody that I knew,” he said.

Morin’s family continue to hope for some answers to help them find Ashley.

They are next planning another search later this month with support from a search and rescue group based in Prince Albert.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois