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Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Daughter of First Nations woman missing 20 years remembers her mother's 'warm hands'
Stephanie Cameron-Johnson was 11 and in foster care when she learned her mother had gone missing on Vancouver Island, after a friend showed her a photo in a newspaper. What followed would be two decades of challenging racial stereotypes surrounding her mom, undoing shame, and repairing identity disconnection caused by the child welfare system, Cameron-Johnson says. "The narrative that's been spoken about missing, murdered Indigenous women and two-spirit folks… I really feel like it's my responsibility to change that," said Cameron-Johnson. Her mother Belinda Cameron, a Sixties Scoop survivor from Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, was 42 when she was last seen at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Esquimalt, B.C., on Esquimalt Rd near Head St., on May 11, 2005. She suffered from a mental illness and was prescribed medication, to be picked up at Shoppers daily, but failed to attend the pharmacy in the days following. She wasn't reported missing until June 4. Det. Colin Hanninen of the Victoria Police Department said Cameron was a person of routine and a fixture in Esquimalt in 2005. She was considered a vulnerable person by police due to addiction and mental health issues, said Hanninen, and her disappearance is considered suspicious. Cameron was initially reported missing by a man who she'd been involved with, but the man told Victoria Police he had not seen her in over a month. Police used a polygraph test to question if the man had harmed Cameron; he denied doing so and passed the test. "At the time there was a robust investigation involving this person, and a polygraph was part of that," said Hanninen. Investigators conducted over 100 interviews and an extensive forensic examination of Cameron's Cairn Road apartment near Old Esquimalt Road, said Hanninen, as well as canine and helicopter searches. "Unfortunately, you know, it had been potentially three to four weeks from the time we can confirm she was last seen to her being reported, which puts you at a disadvantage," said Hanninen. "In 2005, it would have been a lot more challenging than it would be today to find clues of where she could have gone or, you know, if she was with anybody." A 2010 report from the Native Women's Association of Canada said British Columbia had the highest number of cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in the country, according to its database. B.C. also had the highest percentage of suspicious death cases: nine per cent of the cases in its database from B.C. fell under the category of suspicious deaths, compared to four per cent nationally, the report said. Cameron-Johnson said police and media reports her mother used drugs or may be doing sex work don't fit with the way she remembers her mother. "It's a stereotype… that's not all who she was," said Cameron-Johnson. "I remember speaking to some social workers, and they said that she was just always so sweet and kind but that could also kind of get taken advantage of." Cameron-Johnson and her younger sister Zoe were living in foster care at the time of their mother's disappearance. Social workers told the sisters their mother voluntarily put them into care, said Cameron-Johnson, but she remembers being abruptly removed by ministry workers from her Grade 1 classroom in 1999. 'When she went missing, my foster mom told me that it was essentially, like, her fault," Cameron-Johnson said. "They really did make her look like she was in the wrong." She and her sister being put in care was the beginning of her mother's downward spiral, Cameron-Johnson said. "I feel like that really kind of did have that ripple effect on my mom's self worth, and going missing," said Cameron-Johnson. "I don't think she was surrounded with care and love and support. I feel that someone did, like, harm her in a terrible way, and I think that people knew her... know things." Kirsten Barnes, director of clinical legal services at the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, said women like Cameron faced less access to legal recourse and understanding around systemic barriers in the '90s and early 2000s than today, with improvements still needed. "Indigenous women, a lot of them would have felt incredibly alone. They would have felt incredible power imbalance… she probably felt a great deal of pressure," said Barnes. Federal and provincial sanctioned policies such as residential schools and the Sixties Scoop were "created deliberately to destroy the family unit," said Barnes, and have led to the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care, known as the Millennial Scoop. As of January 2024, 68 per cent of the 4,835 children and youth in care in B.C. were Indigenous, according to the province. "In this case with Belinda, had she had those [family] connections her whole entire life, things may have been different, right? She may have had all of the support that she would have needed," Barnes said. "No parent wants to ever voluntarily give their children up… and that may not have happened if she had not been taken as a child herself. It wasn't really voluntary if you think about the circumstances that she was probably dealing with at the time." Cameron-Johnson said she and her sister are still looking for answers on what happened to their mother, and can feel their mom guiding them. Belinda Cameron was a mother, a homemaker, a baker, enjoyed beading group nights at the Victoria Friendship Centre, and was a skilled thrifter with incredible style, said Cameron-Johnson. "I just remember her warm hands. She just had a really lovely, warm presence," Cameron-Johnson said. "She was there. She was present. I can't really ask more for that, as a parent, to have in your life." Belinda Cameron is described as a five feet, eight inches tall with a medium to large build, long, dark brown hair at the time of her disappearance, and dark brown eyes. She is also known as Belinda Ann Engen. Anonymous tips can be made online at Victoria Crime Stoppers. People who may have information about Cameron can contact 250-995-7654 and ask to speak to the Historical Case Review Unit or send an email.
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
British Columbians look back as the Bay closes for good
Vancouver Watch Shoppers at the Park Royal Hudson's Bay location were feeling nostalgic as the historic department store's liquidation sale came to a close.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Fashion fans are running to Asda for ‘amazing value' holiday jewellery – including must-have £3.50 claw clips
WITH the weather heating up and summer right around the corner, if you want to give your jewellery collection a glow up, you've come to the right place. And for those on a budget, fear not, you won't have to splash too much cash thanks to this "amazing value' new collection. 6 Bargain hunters are going wild for Asda's new collection of holiday jewellery Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda 6 There's even bag charms and statement necklaces Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda 6 There's also claw clips and packs of anklets Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda 6 This pack of two claw clips is only £3.50 Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda While many of us may bag our high-street jewellery from Accessorize, Not only will shoppers be able to stock up on stunning earrings and gorgeous anklets while they do their But that's not all, as there's also a large selection of statement necklaces and bracelets you won't want to miss. Posting on social media, the official George at Asda account gave users a close-up look at the new-in fashion buys, leaving many totally gobsmacked. Read more fashion stories Alongside the short clip, the chain penned: 'Spotted in store: holiday brights. 'Colour pop jewellery and accessories made for sunshine and summer getaways.' Not only this, but the supermarket then wrote: 'Running to So if you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad for a beach holiday this year and fancy treating yourself, there's plenty to choose from. Most read in Fabulous Shoppers will find colourful bracelets for £5, packs of three anklets for £7 and even glitzy bag charms for £6.50. There's packs of three stud earrings for £6 and even jaw-dropping statement earrings for only £8.50. Fashion fans run to M&S to nab the new jewellery that's perfect for summer & there's Bottega dupes that'll save you £546 If you're really looking to keep the costs down, you'll find fun hoop earrings that are in the chain's 'amazing value' range, for just £4. And if you can't get enough of claw clips, there's plenty to choose from. Also in the 'amazing value' range, 2025's Jewellery Trends: What's in and what's out? Designer and founder of Big gold earrings - OUT Chunky gold earrings inspired by the '80s have fallen out of fashion. Instead, there is a growing shift towards nostalgic '90s jewellery pieces like hoop earrings that convey elegance and sophistication in 2025. Bold stack rings - IN Stacking rings are set to make a bold statement in 2025. Expect to see asymmetrical stacks featuring irregular shapes and sculptural designs, adding depth and character. Remember to use odd numbers for a more dynamic look—stacking three rings creates a visually engaging and harmonious effect. And choose stackable rings made from solid precious metals such as silver and gold, rather than gemstones for a more sophisticated appearance. Chunky statement pieces - IN While 2024 focused on rectangular paper clip motifs, 2025 will showcase circular forms. This trend is evident in various pieces, including earrings that sway gently in the light, bold necklaces that fluidly drape around the neck, and bracelets and rings that feature soft, rounded shapes. Silver jewellery - IN Silver jewellery continues to be a popular choice this year, celebrated for its versatility and understated elegance. Its sleek, cool-toned finish makes it a perfect accessory for casual outings and formal events, allowing for effortless transitions. Colourful gemstones - IN The jewellery scene is experiencing a vibrant resurgence of bold and colourful gemstones. Striking stones such as luminous quartz, rich black onyx, and fiery red agate dominate designs, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional pearls. Conscious sustainability - IN Eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and responsible production practices are now essential elements of contemporary jewellery. The focus now lies on utilising ethical gold, recycled metals, and lab-grown diamonds, ensuring that aesthetics do not come at the planet's expense. Tip: Research a jeweller's ethical and sustainable practices before purchasing to ensure their values align with yours. At Ajosepo, we exclusively utilise recycled materials, reducing the demand for new mining and minimising our ecological footprint. Fashion fans beam The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Not only this, but it's also amassed 5,335 likes, 20 comments and 400 saves. I need the flower clips TikTok user One person said: 'Obsessed.' Another added: 'I'm running.' A third tagged a friend and beamed: 'Good job we're going tomorrow because I need the flower clips.' Meanwhile, someone else begged: 'Please start selling Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 These stunning earrings are only £4 Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda 6 If you want to turn heads this summer, you'll need to get down to Asda Credit: TikTok/georgeatasda
IOL News
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
South Africa's loyalty pioneer, Pick n Pay Smart Shopper, continues to lead the way
Unlock a world of savings with Pick n Pay's Smart Shopper rewards programme, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied In a space crowded with loyalty programmes, Pick n Pay's Smart Shopper remains a standout. It is one of South Africa's most established grocery rewards programmes and a true innovator in the space, leading to it being one of SA's most favourite loyalty programmes. Launched over a decade ago, Smart Shopper has become deeply embedded in the country's shopping culture, delivering meaningful, tangible savings to millions of customers every day. In the past year alone, it returned savings of several billion rands to its members. What truly sets Smart Shopper apart is its dual approach to value - save now and save for later. Members enjoy instant discounts, exclusive deals, and personalised vouchers tailored to their shopping habits. They also earn Smart Shopper points with every purchase, which can be used as cashback whenever they choose to redeem them. To help customers stretch their budgets even further, Smart Shopper has introduced a range of free-to-join lifestyle Clubs. Members of the Wine, Coffee, Baby, Pet, or Pick n Pay Live Well Clubs receive triple points on thousands of products, plus additional discounts. The Live Well Club, in particular, has seen impressive growth since its launch last year as it has made healthier food choices more affordable, with no joining fees or extra costs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Download the new Pick n Pay Smart Shopper app, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Adding to the programme's innovation, the newly launched Pick n Pay app has combined the previously separate Pick n Pay asap! and Smart Shopper app, allowing users to view their points balance, access personalised vouchers, join Clubs, and play Smart Hopper, a quick game that unlocks daily bonus vouchers for more savings. The new app also enables Smart Shoppers to earn and spend points when shopping with asap!. These continuous innovations are why Smart Shopper remains one of the country's most popular loyalty programmes. In just the past six months, the programme saw triple digit growth in new sign-ups, showing its continued popularity. Smart Shopper's creativity and impact was recognised at the MMA Smarties Award, Image: Supplied Image: Supplied Smart Shopper was also recognised at the prestigious MMA Smarties Awards, where its "Smart Shopper Price Palooza" campaign earned four accolades for creativity and impact amongst customers. More than just a rewards card, Smart Shopper reflects Pick n Pay's continued commitment to delivering value, convenience, and personalised rewards every day. In an ever-evolving retail landscape, it continues to prove that experience, innovation, and a customer-first approach are a winning combination.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers race to Lidl for ultimate festival and camping £15 buy – it can be used in a car or in a tent
LIDL is selling the perfect item for summer getaways this year. This bargain buy is perfect for car or camping trips away from home. 3 Shoppers are rushing to buy the Crivit Car Air Bed, which is compact and convenient for cars and SUVs. The neat napping tool is selling now for just £14.99 - available either on Lidl's website or in stores. The item has a handy stabilising support base, meaning it can sit comfortably on the backseat of any car. Happily, this base can also be removed so the bed can double up as a sleeping aide while staying in a tent. Even more handy for campers, it has a quick release valve which means it can deflate quickly - perfect for a quick campsite exit. The air bed also comes complete with a comfortable velour coating and two pillows. The airbed is 135cm in length, 80cm in width and 10cm in height when inflated. The pillows are suitably sized at 35cm in length, 20cm in width and 33cm in height. The bed is light and easy to carry around at just 1.95kg, and can cradle sleepers of all sizes with a maximum load of 250kg. The bed comes in grey, and boasts a three year warranty. On Lidl's website, the company says: "The product can be inflated using a hand pump or an electric pump. "It includes a practical storage bag, instructions and a repair kit." Shoppers have taken to Facebook to react to the nifty gadget, with many praising the product. "It's clever with festival season upon us," one said. Another added: "Wish they had this when I was sleeping in a car, instead I was basically upside down to get comfy." However, some prospective punters seemed to be concerned over the airbed's size. One said: "I've seen this but can you imagine how claustrophobic it'd be lying width ways. "I'd have to be a size 0!" This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and won't break the bank. For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad. That's more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7. Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don't need to flip your pillow during the night. At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.
