‘NO MORE STOLEN BROTHERS’: About 60 walkers take part in Blue Jean Jacket Day

Posted on June 16, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

With each step, as many as 60 walkers sent out a reminder: Byron Watson has not been forgotten.

Reinforcing this was a message on their blue shirts that declared “No More Stolen Brothers”, accompanied by the words “Byron Watson, Forever 23” and the image of an eagle in flight.

In Indigenous culture, the eagle is a sacred being, symbolizing a direct connection to the Creator and representing courage, strength, wisdom and an ability to overcome challenges to gain a higher perspective.

First there was a walk in Maple Creek, starting at 207 Lonsdale Street, the home of Byron’s aunt Lori, where he was seen leaving on November 26 2023 before his disappearance.

Then there was a barbecue at Lori’s house, with bison and beef burgers on the grill, and hotdogs served with Bannock and salad; it was another example of the community pulling together.

How many attended the walk? Estimates range from 120 to 220. Whatever the actual figure, Byron’s family was heartened by the support.

Although most walkers came from the area, some were from as far away as Regina. Of course, the Nekaneet was well represented, with members wearing Indigenous clothing.

“It was wonderful to see such a high turnout,” said Arlene, Byron’s mom, who lives in Medicine Hat.

In posters advertising the event, the family had said the walk would be a reminder that Byron has not been forgotten.

“We will bring him home,” the poster said as it urged the community to join the walk for Byron.

“He is loved and missed so much and everyone is welcome to join.”

Under overcast skies, with spring temperatures cooled by a breeze, a crowd gathered in Lonsdale Street at noon.

All generations were there, from 17-month-old Zane Buffalocalf to Byron’s 70-year-old Kokum, Joyce. Cpl Mike Chiarot, from the Maple Creek RCMP detachment, who had been involved in the search for Byron, was also present, conducting traffic control.

As requested, people wore red, a colour said to transcend the physical world and call to ancestors in the spirit world.

May 5 was also Red Dress Day, raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

There were lots of red “Bring Byron Watson Home” T-shirts, and “Missing Person” posters bearing Byron’s now familiar photograph, showing him wearing a red baseball cap.

The News-Times was asked to take a pre-walk family photo of Arlene, Joyce, Lori, and Frances Delorme, another aunt. Three-year-old Zeke, Arlene’s grandson, also entered the photo, his sunglasses glinting in the watery sunlight.

At the outset, Brenda Mosquito, an Elder, prayed in English, then Cree, asking the Creator to bring Byron back.

When the walking began, Brenda led the way. Next to her was Delvin Stanley, a celebrated Pow Wow dancer, clad in a Nekaneet Warrior hockey jersey emblazoned with 71.

“71 was Byron’s number,” said Delvin. “There are a few members of the Nekaneet Warrior team here.”

The Warrior bench has felt incomplete without the team’s right winger and assistant captain, who could always be counted on to turn up for games, even if he had to hitch a lift.

Although walkers were bunched closely together at the start, the group soon stretched out, as people found their own pace.

Some younger children enjoyed a ride on adult shoulders, while babies were pushed along in strollers.

The mood was respectful and reflective. Everywhere were reminders of the young man being honoured; a picture of him before a big cake, topped with candles and the number 2, was imprinted on scores of “Let’s Bring Byron Home” T-shirts.

From Lonsdale Street, walkers turned up Nekaneet Drive and then 5th Avenue, passing the Elks Hall, for so long the search team headquarters, until they were moved to Cobble Creek Lodge. Each morning at 8.30am, the team would gather around maps to discuss where next to look.

It was then back to 207 Lonsdale Street, where a big cooking operation got under way.

Some walkers left, some stayed. Some people showed up only for the barbecue, breaking away from other commitments to show support for the Watson family.

“We’ve had a lot of support,” said Arlene. “I am so thankful, and really appreciate it. It means such a lot for people to come out for Byon.”