Edmonton Police hope new billboard generates tips in 3-year disappearance of Indigenous woman

Edmonton police say they hope a new digital billboard in the city's downtown will help generate information about the disappearance of Jeannine Ermineskin from the area over three years ago. 

Edmonton Police Services (EPS) say Ermineskin's family last heard from her on Jan. 6, 2022. CBC Indigenous contacted a family member of Ermineskin's, who said they hope new information comes to light soon about her disappearance. 

Const. Matthew Broadfoot, who works with the Missing Persons Unit, said police discussed the billboard with Ermineskin's family before it was unveiled on Tuesday.

It will be up for the next two months at the intersection of 107 Avenue and 101 Street. 

EPS issued its first media release on her disappearance on March 17, 2022. Ermineskin was 38 at the time and described as five feet eight inches tall and 138 pounds with dyed blonde hair. A police news release said she had also dyed her hair pink in the past. 

"The goal is to get the community here talking about this case to generate conversation and then, hopefully, tips, even the smallest tips, just like places where she was, or people that she was with at the time of her disappearance," said Broadfoot. 

Native Counselling Services and REACH Edmonton helped fund the billboard.

The police investigation of her disappearance led to the area where the billboard is located, Broadfoot said. 

Ermineskin was last seen on CCTV at the TD Bank in Edmonton City Centre mall. Broadfoot said information from her cellphone suggests she was in the area of 107 Avenue and 101 Street when her cellphone activity ended. 

Broadfoot said Ermineskin is Indigenous with family members from several reserves and added she also spent time in Maskwacis, Alta. 

According to EPS, Ermineskin has the following tattoos:

• Crown, diamond, flower and stars on her right arm.
• The word "love" on the knuckles of her right hand.
• Eagle, female faces and feathers on her left arm.
• The word "love" written across her left wrist.
• "Daniel" written across the right side of her neck.
• Butterflies on the right side of her back.
• Cheetah on her abdomen. 
• Feather with "Shyla" written on her upper left back.

Anyone with information can contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Information can also be sent anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.