In the small community of Ross River, Yukon, a sense of unease settled over the residents in the spring of 2023. Ramona Lizann Peter, a 40-year-old First Nations woman, was last seen on April 21 in front of the Dena General Store, a familiar gathering place in the village. Described as a kind woman with a contagious smile, long black hair, and brown eyes, Ramona was a homebody who rarely left the community. She stood about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed around 110 pounds; at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a long blue winter jacket. When days turned into a week with no word from her, a friend or family member reported her missing to the Ross River RCMP on April 28, sparking deep concern among those who knew her, as it was highly uncharacteristic for her to be out of contact for so long.
The days and weeks that followed her disappearance were marked by an intensive and widespread search effort.
The Ross River RCMP, along with the Yukon RCMP Major Crimes Unit, the RCMP Police Dog Service, and RCMP Air Services, worked tirelessly to find any trace of Ramona. They were joined by the Yukon Search and Rescue (YSAR) team and numerous community volunteers who combed the areas in and around Ross River. The search was extensive, involving ground patrols, aerial searches with planes and helicopters, and door-to-door inquiries in the hope of finding her. Despite these exhaustive efforts and the investigation of several leads, no sign of Ramona was found. The lack of answers took a heavy toll on the community's morale, leaving them with a profound sense of sadness and a desire for closure.
The disappearance of Ramona Peter prompted the Ross River Dena Council to declare a state of emergency in May 2023, calling for immediate assistance and resources to aid in the search for their "beloved sister." This declaration highlighted the serious and life-threatening issues facing the community. Even a year after she was last seen, the community held a feast to mark the anniversary of her disappearance, a testament to the enduring hope for her return. Posters with her image, though weathered by time, remained a poignant reminder of her absence. The investigation into her disappearance remains open, and the community continues to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding what happened to Ramona. The case serves as a heartbreaking overview of a woman who vanished from her small, tight-knit community, leaving behind a family and friends who continue to search for answers.Last Seen: Apr 21, 2023
