Goforth family marks murdered daughter’s birthday
REGINA — It was a great day for a barbecue as bright spring sun warmed the cool breeze blowing through Heritage Park on Tuesday.
“It’s a Kelly day,” said Maxine Goforth. “It’s a beautiful day for her.”
More than 100 men, women and children showed up to help Kelly Goforth’s family celebrate what would have been her 23rd birthday. Cake, balloons and traditional hand-drum singing were part of the day’s events.
On Sept. 25, 2013 Kelly Goforth’s body was discovered in an alley in the 1700 block of McAra Street a day after she was last seen. Clayton Bo Eichler is charged with first-degree murder in her death.
Maxine Goforth said her daughter was generous by nature, which is why the family decided to host a community barbecue.
“I was amazed at the turnout,” she said. “It really made me feel good to know that people care about my girl.”
The issue of missing and murdered indigenous women has taken on a whole new sense of importance for the family.
Goforth said it’s not just about her daughter anymore. It’s about raising awareness of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada because there are so many families like hers, who have been hurt by such a loss.
She’s especially proud of her son Ezekiel Bigknife, who has taken up the challenge to raise awareness about the issue.
Although he’s only 15, Bigknife already knows what needs to happen and why.
“I was passed down the flag for missing and murdered indigenous women, so I have to put on four events by Feb. 14th of next year,” he said. “It’s a big responsibility. I didn’t expect it, but I’m going to do it.”
Holding a flag bearing the name of his big sister, Bigknife said he wants to do his part to not only honour her, but all indigenous women.
“I want (people) to know our women are important and we do care about them,” Bigknife said.
He was also happy to see so many people show up.
“It’s hard on our family, but we take it day by day in a positive way,” he said. “We just wanted to show people that we still remember Kelly and she’s not forgotten.”
Lillian Piapot decided to attend the barbecue because the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women is close to her heart.
She said her sister was murdered in Calgary and she is still working to get her name added to the list of murdered and missing indigenous women.
As a grandmother, she worries about the safety of her own grandchildren, she said.
“I know they are targets. I immediately start praying as soon as they go out the door for their safe return, and that’s the reality I live with.”
She said it’s not right for people to live in fear and she hopes for a time when mothers and grandmothers don’t have to worry about their girls.
Until that day comes, it’s important to support events that raise awareness about the issue, Piapot said.
At the conclusion of the barbecue, the family released 23 Happy Birthday balloons.