Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Missing Persons

Highway of Tears

The Highway of Tears is a long section of Highway 16 in northern British Columbia, Canada, associated with the disappearances and murders of many women, especially Indigenous women.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Highway of Tears is a notorious stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, linked to numerous disappearances and murders of women, particularly Indigenous women. Many cases remain unsolved, making it a key focus of national concern about missing and murdered Indigenous women.

What it is

The Highway of Tears refers to a roughly 720-kilometre section of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. The term emerged because of the high number of disappearances and murders along this route, especially of Indigenous women, dating back to the highway’s completion in 1969.

Why it matters

This stretch of highway has become a symbol of the broader crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Many cases remain unsolved, drawing attention to systemic issues in policing, transportation access, and community safety in remote areas. The issue is a major Canadian human-rights and criminal-justice concern.

Key details

The RCMP officially lists 18 associated cases, but Indigenous communities and advocates estimate the number is much higher, with some counts exceeding 40. Most victims are women, particularly Indigenous women. Investigations have been complicated by the remote geography and, in some cases, lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies.

In short

  • Section of Highway 16 in northern BC linked to disappearances and murders.
  • First known cases date to 1969 when the highway was completed.
  • RCMP lists 18 cases; community estimates are significantly higher.
  • Unsolved cases reflect systemic violence against Indigenous women.
Canadian angle

The Highway of Tears is a major Canadian human-rights and criminal-justice issue, especially relevant to British Columbia and to national discussions about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Quick questions

What is the Highway of Tears?
It is a section of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, known for many disappearances and murders, especially of Indigenous women.
How many victims are on the Highway of Tears?
The RCMP officially lists 18 cases, but Indigenous communities and advocates have estimated the number is much higher, with some estimates above 40.
Where is the Highway of Tears?
It is located on Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia, Canada.

Sources

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/highway-of-tears
    Supports: Defines the Highway of Tears, gives its location, and notes RCMP official case counts and the broader MMIWG context.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_of_Tears
    Supports: Provides the highway length, route, and historical context from 1969 onward.
  3. Carrier Sekani Family Services — https://www.highwayoftears.org/highway-of-tears/
    Supports: Describes the highway, emphasizes Indigenous victims, and notes that the exact number of victims is disputed.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/world/americas/canada-indigenous-women-highway-16.html
    Supports: Reports official and community estimates of victims and notes that many cases remain unsolved.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2175928/
    Supports: Describes the documentary film Highway of Tears and its subject matter.