By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
November 2, 2024 marked one month since Juanita Ashley Migwans has been missing. The 30-year-old, known to family and friends as Winnie, was last seen on Highway 551 on her way to her mother’s place in Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island. Her father’s family – the Ashcrofts – are based in Lion’s Head. They are hoping to find answers about her disappearance. Winnie’s Aunt, well-known community member and business owner Marydale Ashcroft, says Winnie has literally vanished and there are no probable leads.
Community Holds Prayer Vigil
Community members of the Northern Bruce Peninsula, along with members of the neighbouring First Nations community, came together on November 2 at the Lion’s Head Beach to offer prayers for Winnie’s safe return. A vigil was also held at the same time on Manitoulin by the community of M’Chigeeng.
The prayer vigil at the Lion’s Head beach consisted of a sacred fire, traditional songs, drumming, a water ceremony, offering of tobacco and prayers for help from the ancestors. In closing, candles were lit and community members were asked to sing along to a playlist carefully selected by Winnie’s Aunts, Marydale and Dona Ashcroft. As attendees left to share in fellowship over sandwiches and desserts, they placed their candles around the fire.
The Ashcrofts thanked the community for their support, saying it means a lot to them.
Winnie, named for her grandmother Juanita Ashcroft of Lion’s Head, last spoke to her dad Morris Ashcroft on 24 September. Her last bank transaction was on 25 September. She was last reported seen on October 2 on Manitoulin Island.
Marydale says Winnie is not the type to simply disappear willingly. She has a good relationship with her mom and dad and frequently stays at her mom’s place. There are suspicions, one of which is that Winnie was abducted and taken to the Toronto area, but there is no proof to confirm that. She believes there is someone, somewhere that knows what happened.
The OPP has conducted drone and helicopter searches, canvassed door to door, checked all of Winnie’s regularly known hangouts, and the search remains active.
Marydale and Morris have done television and print media interviews to highlight the search for Winnie. They are asking residents of Manitoulin to search their outbuildings and properties. And to offer any information they may have to the police.
Promote Winnie’s story on social media platforms
Marydale says it is important to keep circulating Winnie’s photograph. While Marydale has been primarily posting to Facebook, the Ashcrofts ask the community to keep reposting the information to their own Facebook groups and on any other social media platforms that they use.
The Ashcrofts say they will not give up, their intention is to bring Winnie home.
If anyone has any leads please call 1-888-310-1122 let them know it’s in relation to Juanita Migwans, Occurrence number RM24251640.
Read the full police report here for a full description of Winnie.
