Family continues to seek justice for beloved BI woman
IONA, ONTARIO—A sacred fire and pipe ceremony was held to honour the #MMIWGT25 and the 30th Memorial for Sonya Nadine Mae Baa Cywink on August 30 at the Southwold Earthworks National Historical Site in Shedden, Ontario.
Sonya Cywink was originally from Whitefish River First Nation. She was found deceased in August 1994 just outside London. “We are holding the media scrum and memorial tomorrow (August 30) on the 30th anniversary of Sonya’s death, an unsolved homicide,” said her sister Meggie, who lives in Little Current.
A statement from the Cywink family reads, “Thirty years ago, on August 30, 1994, Sonya was taken in a senseless, unsolved act of violence that has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community.”
“On the 30th anniversary of Sonya Cywink’s tragic murder, the Cywink family commemorates her life, and the deep loss felt by all who knew and loved her,” the statement reads. “Sonya was more than a victim, she was a beloved member of a strong Indigenous community, and a daughter, sister and friend. Her vibrant spirit, compassion, and kindness continue to inspire those who knew her. Despite the passage of time, the pain of her loss remains as poignant as ever.”
It was three decades ago that Sonya Cywink’s body was found southwest of London, near Iona. Originally from Whitefish River First Nation, she lived in the east end of London at the time of her death. She was last seen on August 26, 1994, at the intersection of Lyle and Dundas streets in London.
Her body was found four days later, showing signs of blunt force trauma, and wearing only a t-shirt and socks at Southwold Earthworks, a former Indigenous community on Iona Road in Elgin County. When she was found she was 24 months pregnant.
“Sonya was a really kind person,” Meggie Cywink told The Expositor in a previous interview. “She had a great sense of humour and loved to write poetry.” And in talking to her friends, they always said, ‘she was always a giver, always helping others.”
However, “she also had a high-risk lifestyle, and yes there were bad characters in her life,” Ms. Cywink shared. She had moved to London for substance abuse treatment, her sister said, adding she was clean for 10 months before relapsing.
In marking the 30th anniversary, the Cywink family invited those interested to attend a sacred fire and pipe ceremony in memorial for Sonya and to also honour Missing and Murdered indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirited. The event was held at Southwold Earthworks National Historical Site, Iona Station.
“The family also wishes to express deep gratitude to those who have worked and advocated over the years to seek justice for Sonya. Their dedication and support have been a source of strength for the family,” the statement continues. “The Cywink family has never given up on its call for justice in Sonya’s case. The family, with the help of counsel Jessica Zita of Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh, continues to seek closure and accountability.”
“We urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward,” the statement continues. “The government of the province of Ontario together with the Cywink family are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for her murder. In an effort to encourage efforts, the Cywink family has increased the reward to $75,000.”
Anyone with information regarding the person(s) responsible for Sonya’s death is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the nearest police authority. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
“After three decades, it is time to bring peace to Sonya’s loved ones by holding those responsible for this heinous crime accountable,” the family states. “The Cywink family remains hopeful that justice will prevail, and that Sonya’s memory will be honoured through the pursuit of truth and accountability.”
