'You can't deal with hurt on your own': Pipe ceremony supports families of missing, murdered women

Seated in a large circle in Winnipeg's Thunderbird House, asmall group of people came together for a pipe ceremony on Saturday to offer healing and support for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

"There's a need for healing for these people," said Robert Sneep, who organized the event.

"There's a lot of hurt, and you can't deal with hurt on your own. You need to do deal with hurt with your surroundings, with your family, with your community."

The event began at noon, featuringa performance by the Walking Wolf singers and a pipe ceremony followed by a community feast.

"I did this knowing that the familiesare often forgotten or not spoke of," Sneep said. "They need the support and healing as much as the girls."

Sneep's wife's cousin, Christine Wood, has been missing since August. Sneep said he's spent time searching for her with her parents.

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"I can see their hurt everyday," he said. "This is our way to deal with that, and to give them healing."