My name is Patricia Isaac and I'm from Membertou first nation.
Virginia Sue Pictou was my cousin. The smile that you're seeing on her in this picture, she gave me that same smile when I first met her. That was in Maine in the 1980s. My giju' , my mom, she was just about to pick blueberries. Virginia came up to me with the same smile, and she said, “I'm Virginia, and I'm your cousin. My mom is your aunt.” We chatted a bit. I was surprised, I was overwhelmed. There were so many people in the field and she spotted me. I said, “Wow, I have a cousin.” And I'll never forget her smile. I would never forget her smile.
In 2009 I had a Sisters in Spirit vigil for Virginia and there was a good turnout. I turned 48 at the time, and had 40-odd people there—including men and children. It turned out really good.
Then I got invited to NWAC up here in Ottawa and I did a digital story on Virginia.
I spoke to NWAC this weekend. Me and Robert were there, and we asked them if there was any way they could write a letter to the Maine state police or the FBI, to get them to intervene. I'm hoping the district attorney or someone there will get involved in Virginia's case. The case is still open, and they could do another investigation. I hope they can do something. They have to access to her case and everything.
I can't travel from Cape Breton all the way to Maine. I can't do that. I'm in Canada and they're in the United States. There are barriers. I don't know much about laws in the United States. I really don't know. I'm stuck. I'm hoping the letters will go through and we'll get answers. Me and Robert will get answers and the family will get answers. I'll be the voice for Virginia. I'll keep searching for her, asking questions.
I would like to thank the families of NWAC as well as the committee. Thank you for inviting me, and I hope you'll help this story to continue.
Thank you.