The Disappearance of Juanita Migwans

*Last Updated – July 7, 2025*

EARLY LIFE:

Juanita Migwans was a resident of M’Chigeeng First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The daughter of Morris Ashcroft and Carmelita Migwans, she was close to her family and often stayed at her mother’s residence. Tragically, she lost her brother, Michael, in 2021.

Herself a mother, Juanita dreamt of becoming a social worker. While she attended college in the hopes of making this a reality, she fell into the drug world, which derailed her plans. According to her loved ones, she hadn’t done well since.

DISAPPEARANCE:

Juanita last spoke to her father on September 25, 2024, and it’s reported her last bank transaction occurred the following day. She didn’t have her cellphone, bank or credit cards, or any form of identification on her at the time she went missing.

Sources vary as to the last time Juanita was physically seen. However, it’s agreed the date was October 2, 2024. Most reports say she was seen walking near Oakhill Drive and Highway 551 at 10:30 AM, while others state it was closer to 5:00 PM, along Riverside Drive. Upon an investigation being launched into her disappearance, an unnamed person went to police to say they’d spoken to Juanita on the phone two days later.

A missing persons report was officially filed on October 7, 2024.

SEARCH:

The investigation into Juanita’s disappearance is being jointly conducted by the United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police and the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Officers have conducted numerous ground and aerial searches, and they’ve gone door-to-door in the community. Residents have been asked to search outbuildings on their properties, in the off chance she sought shelter in one of them.

About a month after she went missing, Juanita’s family held a prayer vigil at Lion’s Head Beach.

A dedicated tip line was launched by the OPP in January 2025, in the hopes of gathering additional information about the case. Unfortunately, few clues have emerged, with some residents reluctant to speak to the authorities, given a general distrust of police in the community. There was a tip called in that stated the missing woman was in Wikwemikong First Nation, but nothing came of it.

In May 2025, around 100 volunteers gathered on Manitoulin Island to search for Juanita, including those from the Central Manitoulin Fire Department and Wiki Surveillance. For five hours, they looked through swamps, riverbeds and bogs, but no evidence was found.

Juanita’s family fears she may have been abducted by drug dealers, given her use of illicit substances and the region’s growing drug trade. The case has raised awareness about dealers from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) infiltrating Northern Ontario communities via Highway 17, which is part of the Trans-Canada Highway.

DETAILS:

Juanita “Winnie” Migwans was last seen on October 2, 2024, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, in M’Chigeeng First Nation. She was 30 years old, and she was last seen wearing a light-coloured jacket and dark pants.

At the time of her disappearance, Juanita had a thin build, standing at 5’6″ and weighing 100 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:

At present, foul play cannot be ruled out in Juanita’s case. A reward of $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for her disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the dedicated tip line at +1 (833) 941-9010. Tips can also be called into the OPP’s general phone number at +1 (888) 310-1120 or the UCCM at (705) 388-7135. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222-8477.

Image Credit: The Sudbury Star/CBC

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