Highway of Tears

Highway of Tears investigates the cases of Indigenous women and girls who have vanished or been murdered along a 725-kilometer stretch of highway in British Columbia, Canada. The book focuses on several specific cases from the 1970s to present day, telling the stories of the victims and their families. McDiarmid, who grew up in northern British Columbia, combines investigative reporting with personal accounts from the victims' communities. She documents police investigations, media coverage, and the decades-long fight by families and activists to bring attention to these cases. The narrative examines systemic racism, poverty, and colonialism in Canada through the lens of these disappearances and murders. It also highlights the stark differences in how cases of missing Indigenous women are handled compared to those of non-Indigenous victims. This work stands as both a true crime investigation and a social document that reveals deep inequities in Canadian society. Through these individual stories, larger patterns emerge about justice, visibility, and whose lives are valued in North America.

Readers describe this investigative work as haunting and meticulously researched, documenting both individual stories and systemic failures along British Columbia's Highway 16. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed portraits of victims and their families - Clear explanation of historical context and institutional racism - Balance between personal narratives and factual reporting - Respectful handling of Indigenous communities' perspectives Common criticisms: - Structure can feel disorganized and repetitive - Some readers found it difficult to keep track of numerous cases - A few noted the writing becomes dry in policy-focused sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (450+ ratings) One reader noted: "McDiarmid gives voices to the voiceless without sensationalizing their stories." Another stated: "The book could have benefited from a timeline or chart to help readers follow the multiple cases." The book ranks among Amazon's top sellers in Canadian Politics and Native American Studies.

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🌲 Indigenous women and girls make up only 4% of Canada's female population but represent 16% of all female homicides in the country. 🛣️ Highway 16, known as the "Highway of Tears," stretches 725 kilometers through British Columbia from Prince Rupert to Prince George. 📚 Author Jessica McDiarmid grew up in northern British Columbia near the Highway of Tears and returned as a journalist to document these stories. ⚖️ The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officially acknowledges 18 cases of missing or murdered women along the highway, but Indigenous groups estimate the number could be over 40. 🗺️ The first documented case of a woman disappearing along the Highway of Tears was Gloria Moody in 1969, but cases continue to this day, making it one of North America's longest-running crime phenomena.