Community searches for missing mother of 2, last seen a year ago in Winnipeg's North End
Leah Keeper's mother remains hopeful they will locate her soon
The mother of a 33-year-old woman who was last seen more than a year ago says she is holding onto hope that her daughter will be found safe in Winnipeg.
Beverley Courchene joined about 30 community members in the second search led by Bear Clan Patrol to look for her daughter Leah Keeper, who is from Sagkeeng First Nation, on Thursday evening.
"I gravitate to hope all the time," Courchene said.
"Hope that we will locate her and hope that somebody gives us the right tips of where she is and if anybody knows anything."
Keeper was reported missing on Nov. 21, 2023, but was last seen four months earlier on July 25 in the area of Salter Avenue and Selkirk Street in the city's North End, Winnipeg police previously said in a news release.
Keeper is the mother of two girls who are 11 and six years old, Courchene said, adding she is a sister, auntie and a niece who is missed dearly.
Courchene said she appreciates how family, friends and community members continue to search and put posters up for her daughter in the North Point Douglas area so people are aware she is still missing.
Courchene said Keeper experienced trauma and other hardships that led her down a difficult path involving substance abuse and homelessness.
Since losing contact with Keeper about a year ago, she's received multiple tips from people about her whereabouts, but the Winnipeg police haven't had any success finding her.
WATCH | Patrollers search for clues to woman's disappearance:
"I don't think of different things that could happen to her. I try my best not to go to that mindset," Courchene said.
"We need more walks like this," she said, adding that the police periodically call to reassure her that they are still searching for Keeper.
Family members are having a feast for her on Sunday in Sagkeeng First Nation which will include traditional ceremonial songs and prayers for healing, Courchene said.
Keeper's aunt, Caroline Bruyere, also attended Thursday night's search, which began at St. John's Park.
"People should be seeing her in the media all the time across Canada, even in the States. We don't know where Leah is. We don't know if she is not well and if she is well, I hope to the Creator that he sees us that we should have her back," Bruyere said.
"Her family needs her. Her grandparents need her."
Bruyere said she loves Keeper deeply and hopes she will come home soon.
During Thursday's search, people walked north of Selkirk Avenue, south of College Avenue, west of Main Street and east of Powers Street, putting up posters along the way.
Angela Klassen, who is the West Broadway co-ordinator with Bear Clan Patrol, said they want to help the family find some closure because "a year is just too long."
Patrollers on Thursday encountered a few people who said they know Keeper, but nobody had seen her, Klassen said, which is devastating for the family.
She said she had the distinct pleasure of walking with one of Keeper's children during a school patrol walk a couple months ago.
"She came up to me and she goes, 'You guys are Bear Clan, and are you still looking for my mom?'" Klassen said.
"It broke my heart actually to see this little girl longing for her mom, and that's why we continue to come out and search for her."
Last year, the patrols put out 210 missing persons bulletins and were able to help locate 156 people, Klassen said.
For now, Klassen has given Keeper's mother a "comfort bear" in an attempt to ease her worries while they continue to look for her daughter.
Keeper is described as five foot three, with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Keeper's whereabouts is asked to call the police missing persons unit at 204-986-6250 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.
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