Ashley Simpson: Justice for our Stolen Sisters

There will be a gathering today at the Salmon River Store near Silver Creek, B.C. to protest the rising and alarming level of violence against women in the area. Protesters will meet at 11 a.m. with their drums, voices and fists to rage against the fact that six women have disappeared in their community in less than two years.

“Calling all hand drums, women and men," reads a Facebook posting. "Let's be there to call on continuing support against violence against women."

The protest comes during an horrific week in which more than 30 RCMP officers descended on the community to collect evidence at a farm near where my cousin Ashley Simpson disappeared along with the other women. For three days, the police scoured the farm and outbuildings as part of "an ongoing investigation" linked to recent charges against a person who threatened a sex worker with a weapon.

The investigation led police to human remains at the site. 

It may be weeks, or months, before the remains are identified, leaving in limbo the families of the missing including my own family. Our Ashley disappeared in April 2016. Since then five other women have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. 

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the RCMP this week assured Ashley's parents that the dig had nothing to do with her or any other victims. But the families believe there may a connection, as the property is not far from Yankee Flats Road where at least two women, Ashley and Deanna Wertz, disappeared. 

The events have opened new wounds for the families who just want the closure they deserve after all this time. 

The investigation also has people from the area in an uproar.

"I live on Yankee Flats and I am sickened by this," someone posted in a comment on my weblog. "We, as residents, were not made aware of two of the missing women. Ashley was brought to my attention by the RCMP at a road stop one night months after she had gone missing. 

"It is beyond disturbing to acknowledge this is happening let alone in your area. I am not certain why the police have to be so secretive."

The person who posted also wanted to thank the young woman who came forward after being threatened by a man with a firearm. 

"She had the courage to get away and contact the police with her story of him and his guns which put the police on this path. I hope that this is put to rest for the families and that they find peace."

Let us hope this is the beginning of the last chapter for Ashley, Deanna and the other women, and for the people of Salmon Arm. May our Stolen Sisters finally rest in peace.