Tamara Chipman
The disappearance of 22-year-old Tamara Lynn Chipman in 2005 remains one of the most haunting cases along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears—a 719-kilometre stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, notorious for the disappearances and murders of numerous Indigenous women and girls.
Wikipedia
A Young Life Interrupted
Tamara Chipman, a member of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, was born and raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. She was known for her lively spirit and deep connection to her family. Growing up, she spent considerable time with her grandfather, Jack, a heavy-duty mechanic, often accompanying him as he repaired large machines. Tamara became a mother at 19, giving birth to her son, Jaden. Despite the challenges of young motherhood, she remained close to her family, frequently visiting both her parents in Prince Rupert and Terrace.
The Day She Vanished
On September 21, 2005, Tamara was last seen hitchhiking east on Highway 16 near the industrial park just outside of Prince Rupert, intending to return to Terrace. Her car had broken down weeks earlier and was awaiting repairs in Terrace. At the time, she was facing assault charges and had a court appearance scheduled in Terrace on the same day. Initially, her family believed she was staying with the other parent, leading to a delay in realizing she was missing. It wasn’t until early November that her father, Tom Chipman, reported her disappearance to the RCMP after noticing her rent hadn’t been paid and her bank account remained untouched.
The Search and Investigation
Following the report, a joint investigation between Prince Rupert and Terrace RCMP was launched on November 15, 2005. Extensive searches were conducted along Highway 16, including volunteer efforts and distribution of missing person flyers. Despite these efforts, no substantial leads emerged. Tamara’s case was later included in Project E-PANA, an RCMP task force established to investigate unsolved cases of missing and murdered women along the Highway of Tears.
A Broader Tragedy
Tamara Chipman’s disappearance is among the numerous cases that have brought national attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. The Highway of Tears has been the site of many such tragedies, with systemic issues such as inadequate public transportation, poverty, and systemic racism contributing to the vulnerability of Indigenous women.
Wikipedia
How You Can Help
Tamara was last seen wearing blue jeans and a light blue jacket. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance.
If you have any information regarding Tamara Chipman’s disappearance, please contact:
RCMP Provincial Unsolved Homicide Unit: 1-877-543-4822
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Her family continues to seek answers and justice, holding onto hope that someone, somewhere, knows what happened to Tamara.
