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Vigil held for missing band councillor

By: Jen Skerritt

10/07/2009 11:25 AM | Comments: 0

Richard Joseph Tssessaze (SUPPLIED PHOTO)

LAC BROCHET — A panic-stricken remote First Nation held an outdoor candlelight vigil in the blustering wind and rain last night for a missing band councillor who was last seen two weeks ago.

Northlands First Nation band councillor Richard Joseph Tssessaze, 37, was reported missing June 26 when he failed to pick up his paycheque. He was last seen in downtown Winnipeg.

His disappearance has rocked the fly-in community located in Lac Brochet — one of province's most remote First Nation communities that's 200 kilometres north of Lynn Lake. Relatives and friends of the father of four haven't heard from him, which they say is unusual and completely out of character.

About 20 residents gathered to pray for Tssessaze's safe return at an open-air church courtyard late yesterday as vicious gusts of wind howled and rain swirled around them. Candles surrounded a black and white photo of Tssessaze as residents took turns approaching the makeshift shrine to say a prayer.

Elder Catherine Moise gazed at the colourful array of candles and said she hopes nothing bad has happened to Tssessaze.

Tssessaze was recently elected councillor and previously worked as a teacher in several First Nation communities.

Coun. Laura Antsanen said 20 volunteers will fly to Winnipeg this week to help comb city streets to locate the missing man. Ten of Tssessaze's close relatives have already been searching Winnipeg shelters and hotels.

Earlier this week Northlands First Nation band helped raise more than $1,400 to help pay for the search party's food and accommodations through a bingo fundraiser.

Jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

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