# Taken (2016 TV series)

Taken is a Canadian true crime documentary television series produced by Winnipeg-based production company Eagle Vision. It first aired on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network on September 9, 2016 and was broadcast again later that year by CBC Television. The series features reenactments and interviews with the family and friends of Canada's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as interviews with local and federal law enforcement, various Canadian experts, advocates, activists and politicians who provide social commentary on the issue of MMIWG in Canada. The series also encourages viewers with information about the featured cases to call the RCMP or Canadian Crime Stoppers anonymous toll-free tip line at 1-800-222-8477. The series was created by Lisa Meeches, Kyle Irving and Rebecca Gibson and is broadcast in both English with host Lisa Meeches, and in Cree by host George Muswaggon. There are currently 3 seasons of Taken, with a fourth and final season in development.

## Episodes
### Season 1 (2016)

| Episode | Case(s) | Interview Subjects | Writer/Director | Original Air Date |
| 1. Tina Fontaine | Tina Fontaine | Thelma Favel (great aunt), Sergeant John O’Donovan (Winnipeg Police) Cindy Guimonde (guidance councillor), Nahanni Fontaine (Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Indigenous Issues Committee of Cabinet for Manitoba), Mary Wilson (Spiritual Advisor), the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould (Minister of Justice, and Canada’s Attorney General), Craig Benjamin (Amnesty | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Cam Bennett | September 9, 2016 |
| 2. Highway of Tears | Alberta Williams, Ramona Wilson | Claudia Williams (sister), Ray Michalko (private investigator) Wayne Clary (Head of E-Pana), Angela Marie MacDougall (Executive Director at Battered Women’s Support Services, BC), Craig Benjamin (Amnesty International), Matilda Wilson (mother) Brenda Wilson (sister) Chief Terry Teegee (cousin) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Cam Bennett | September 16, 2016 |
| 3. Downtown East Side | Danielle LaRue, Ashley Machiskinic | Kim LaRue (sister), Evelyn Dick (grandmother) Robert Dick (grandfather), Mona Woodward (cousin) Dave Dickson (outreach worker, friend) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Cam Bennett | September 23, 2016 |
| 4. Marie Jeanne Kreiser | Marie Jeanne Kreiser | Lorna Martin (daughter), Gail Leech (daughter), Sharon Patterson (daughter) Arlene Pearson (daughter) Murray Marcichiw (RCMP Staff Sergeant), Jody Stonehouse (Researcher, University of Alberta, Faculty of Native Studies), Liza Sunley (Executive Director, Lurana Shelter) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Directors: Lisa Meeches, Richard Duffy | September 30, 2016 |
| 5. Emily Osmond | Emily Osmond | Myrna LaPlante (niece) Jessica LaPlante (great niece), April Buffalo-Robe (niece), Lloyd Goodwill (retired RCMP) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Rebecca Gibson | October 7, 2016 |
| 6. Cherisse Houle | Cherisse Houle | Barb Houle (mother) Jessica Houle (sister), Linda English (foster parent), Shawn Pike (Project Devote) | Writer: Jacquie Black Directors: Lisa Meeches, Reil Munro | October 14, 2016 |
| 7. Amber Guiboche | Amber Guiboche | Kyle Kematch (brother), Ashley Geddes (sister), Detective Sergeant Shaunna Neufeld (Winnipeg Police) | Writer: Jacquie Black Directors: Madison Thomas, Reil Munro | October 21, 2016 |
| 8. Claudette Osborne-Tyo | Claudette Osborne-Tyo | Bernadette Smith (sister), Shawn Pike (Project Devote), Matthew Bushby (children’s father) Bob Chrismas (former Winnipeg Police) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Lisa Meeches | October 28, 2016 |
| 9. Fonassa Bruyere | Fonassa Bruyere | Janet Bruyere (grandmother), Crystal Bruyere (cousin), Rob Lasson (Project Devote), Nahanni Fontaine (Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Rebecca Gibson | November 4, 2016 |
| 10. Tanya Nepinak | Tanya Nepinak | Sue Caribou (aunt), Sergeant John O’Donovan (Winnipeg Police), Vernon Mann (children’s father) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Ervin Chartrand | November 11, 2016 |
| 11. Sandra Johnson | Sandra Johnson | Sharon Johnson (sister), EJ Kwandibens (friend), Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Andrew Hay (police) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Jacquie Black | November 18, 2016 |
| 12. Maisy Odjick, Shannon Alexander | Maisy Odjick, Shannon Alexander | Laurie Odjick (mother), Earl McGregor (grandfather), Maria Jacko (aunt), Damon Jacko (brother), Gordon McGregor (Director Kitigan Zibi Band Police), Claudette Commanda (Kitigan Zibi Band Council), Bryan Alexander, (father), Heather Crank (niece), Juanita Alexander (aunt), Jody Wilson Raybould (Minister of Justice), Caroline Bennett (Minister of Indigenous Affairs) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Danielle Sturk | November 25, 2016 |
| 13. Tanya Brooks | Tanya Brooks | Vanessa Brooks (sister), CJ Brooks (child), Cheryl Melony (Women’s Shelter worker), Jason Withrow (police) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Noam Gonick | December 2, 2016 |

### Season 2 (2017)

| Episode | Case(s) | Interview Subjects | Writer/Director | Original Air Date |
| 1. Hilary Wilson | Hilary Wilson | Dwayne Balfour (Hillary’s Uncle), Staff Sergeant Jared Hall (Project Devote), Jennifer Richardson (Child Exploitation Specialist), Diane Redsky (Executive Director of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre), the Honourable Patty Hajdu (Minister of Status of Women), and featuring Claudette Commanda. | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Rebcca Gibson, Lisa Meeches | September 8, 2017 |
| 2.Cheyenne Fox | Cheyenne Fox | Michelle Atkinson (Cheyenne’s Mother), John Fox Sr. (Cheyenne’s Father), John Fox, Jr. (Cheyenne’s Brother), Wab Kinew (Author, Politician). | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Rebecca Gibson | September 15, 2017 |
| 3. Gladys Simon | Gladys Simon | Andrea Colfer (Gladys’ Sister), Leona Simon (Gladys’ Niece), Robert Levy (Gladys’ Friend), Patty Musgrave (Student Advisor, Advocate), Wab Kinew (author, politician). | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Cam Benett | September 22, 2017 |
| 4. Glenda Morrisseau | Glenda Morrisseau | Doreen Morrisseau (Glenda’s Sister), Calvin Alexander (Glenda’s Cousin), Rebecca Chartrand (Glenda’s Friend), Sergeant Shawn Pike (Project Devote), Diane Redsky (Executive Director of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre). | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Rebecca Gibson | September 29, 2017 |
| 5. Kelly Morrisseau | Kelly Morrisseau | Roxanne Morrisseau (Kelly’s Cousin), Tanis Morrisseau (Kelly’s Daughter), Deb Chansonieuve (Family Friend), Perry Bellegarde (National Chief, Assembly of First Nations), Sergeant Jean-Paul Lemay (Media Relations–Gatineau Police) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Tyson Caron | October 6, 2017 |
| 6. Mildred Flett | Mildred Flett | Angeline Nelson (Mildred’s Daughter), Kathy Nelson (Mildred’s Daughter), Lynda Neckoway (Mildred’s Sister), Wesley Flett (Mildred’s Brother), Det.Sgt. Wade McDonald (Winnipeg Police), Eric Robinson (Indigenous Activist, and Former Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly). | Writer: Justina Neepin Director: Jenna Neepin | October 13, 2017 |
| 7. Jennifer Catcheway | Jennifer Catcheway | Willie Starr (Jennifer’s Brother), Rhianna Acoby (Jennifer’s Friend), Monica Acoby (Jennifer’s Friend), Deidre Acoby (Jennifer’s Friend), Staff Sgt. Jared Hall (RCMP), Gladys Radek (Missing Persons Advocate). | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Jacquie Black | October 20, 2017 |
| 8. Angela Meyer | Angela Meyer | Kathy Meyer (Angela’s Mother), Dean Meyer (Angela’s Father), Byron Meyer (Angela’s Brother), Candace Meyer (Angela’s Sister), Constable Jack Keefe (Yellowknife RCMP), Mark Koltek (Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre). | Writer: Sonya Ballantyne Director: Madison Thomas | October 26, 2017 |
| 9. Delaine Copenace | Delaine Copenace | Anita Copenace (Delaine’s Mother), Dayna Copenace (Delaine’s Sister), Darian Copenace (Delaine’s Sister), Lori Copenace (Delaine’s Sister), Christy Dzikowicz (Canadian Centre for Child Protection), James Favel (Bear Clan Patrol), Jessica Huzyk (Canadian Centre for Child Protection), David Lucas (OPP), Jeff Duggan (OPP). | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Ty Caron, Lisa Meeches | November 3, 2017 |
| 10. Danita Big Eagle | Danita Big Eagle | Dianne BigEagle (Danita’s Mother), Lisa BigEagle (Danita’s Sister), Myrna LaPlante (Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik), Evan Bray (Chief of Police, Regina Police Service). | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Noam Gonick | November 10, 2017 |
| 11. Felicia Solomon | Felica Solomon | Darlene Osborne (Felicia’s Grandmother), Christie Osborne (Felicia’s Great-Aunt), Renee Carpenter (Felicia’s Friend), Tamara Osborne (Felicia’s Cousin), Sgt. Shawn Pike (Project Devote), Chief Ron Evans (Norway House Chief). | Writer: Justina Neepin Director: Jenna Neepin | November 17, 2017 |
| 12. Tamara Chipman and Belinda Williams | Tamara Chipman and Belinda Williams | Gladys Radek (Tamara’s Aunt), Lorelei Williams (Belinda’s Niece), Staff Sgt. Wayne Clary (RCMP), Dr. Gabor Maté (Speaker, Teacher, Author), Lorimer Shenher (Author, Former Police Officer), Paul Lacerte (Co-Founder, Moose Hide Campaign), Raven Lacerte (Co-Founder, Moose Hide Campaign), Henri Chevillard (Gladys’ Friend). | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Jacquie Black | November 24, 2017 |
| 13. Jacqueline Crazybull | Jacqueline Crazybull | Clifford Crowchild (Jacqueline’s Son), Sandra Manyfeathers (Jacqueline’s Sister), Lauren Crazybull (Jacqueline’s Niece), Tara Robinson (Executive Director of YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre), Michelle Robinson (Human Rights Activist), Liza Lorenzetti (Social Worker, Educator, Activist), Dr. Abbas Mancey (Alberta Men’s Network). | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Ty Caron | December 1, 2017 |
Season 3 (2018)
| Episode | Case(s) | Interview Subjects | Writer/Director | Original Air Date |
| 1. Amber Tuccaro | Amber Tuccaro | Vivian Tuccaro (Amber’s Mother), Paul Tuccaro Jr. (Amber’s Brother), Tracy Bear (Director for the Indigenous Women's Resilience Project), Ian Campeau (Anishinaabe Artist and Advocate) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Madison Thomas | September 27, 2018 |
| 2. Patricia Carpenter | Patricia Carpenter | Joyce Carpenter (Patricia’s Mother), Laura Heidenheim (Documentarian), Josephine Tse (Documentarian), Ivana Yellowback (Advocate and Youth Worker) | Writer: Kayla Hayden Director: Rebecca Gibson | October 5, 2018 |
| 3. Crystal Andrews and Leah Anderson | Crystal Andrews and Leah Anderson | Beverley Andrews (Crystal’s Mom), Roxanne Spence (Crystal’s Fiance’s Mom), Wayne Okenow (Leah’s Uncle), Mervin White (Crystal’s Fiance’s Dad), Leslie Spillett (Executive Director Ka Ni Kanichihk), Katherine Whitecloud (Knowledge Keeper) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Lisa Meeches | October 12, 2018 |
| 4. Leona Brule | Leona Brule | Chris Sanderson (Leona’s Cousin), Catherine Sanders (Leona’s Aunt), Cpl. Jack Keefe (RCMP), Mandee McDonald (Senior Projects Administrator for Dene Nahjo), Marie Wilson (TRC Commission of Canada, 2009 to 2005) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Noam Gonick | October 19, 2018 |
| 5. Janet Syvestre | Janet Syvestre | Crystal Sylvestre (Janet's Daughter), Toni Lemaigre (Janet's Sister), Lauren Sylvestre (Janet's Son), Corporal Kelly Bates (RCMP), Dr. Robert Innes (University of Saskatchewan, Department of Native Studies) | Writer: Sonia Ballantyne Director: Jacquie Black | October 26, 2018 |
| 6. Josephine Martin | Josephine Martin | Tanya Martin (Josephine’s Daughter), Wesley Martin (Josephine’s Son), Georgina Sanderson (Josephine's Niece), Margaret Sanderson (Josephine’s Sister), Marlene Grace Buck (Josephine's Sister), Cst. Mike Harris (RCMP) | Writer: Dinae Robinson Director: Rebecca Gibson | November 2, 2018 |
| 7. Lorilee Francis | Lorilee Francis | Connie Francis (Lorilee's Aunt), Lane Francis (Lorilee’s Brother), Lance Francis (Lorilee's Brother), Lisa Ferguson (Lorilee's Sister), Mary Francis (Lorilee's Grandmother), Vanessa Shannon (Lorilee’s Cousin), Edward Ferguson (Lorilee's Cousin), Danielle Allard (University of Alberta, Assistant Professor, Library and Information Studies) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Madison Thomas | November 9, 2018 |
| 8. Amanda Cook | Amanda Cook | Cheyenne Chartrand (Amanda's Sister), Bernadette Sumner (Amanda's Sister), Mary Cook (Amanda's Mother), Lisa Makwebak (Community Activist), Sgt. Paul Manaigre (RCMP) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Jacquie Black | November 16, 2018 |
| 9. Sindy Ruperthouse | Sindy Ruperthouse | Émilie Ruperthouse Wylde (Sindy’s Mother), Johnny Wylde (Sindy’s Father), Joan Wylde (Sindy’s Sister), Kathy Ruperthouse (Sindy’s Sister), Lt. Martine Asselin (Sûreté du Québec) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Jenna Neepin | November 23, 2018 |
| 10. Nicole Daniels | Nicole Daniels | Isabel Daniels (Nicole's cousin), Joan Winning (Nicole's Aunt), Sandra Delaronde (MMIWG Advocate), Dr. Lisa Kinew (Physician) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Cam Bennett | November 30, 2018 |
| 11. Cheryl Johnson | Cheryl Johnson | Patricia Johnson (Cheryl’s Mother), Lynn Johnson (Cheryl’s Sister), Tricia Johnson (Cheryl’s Sister), Shaylene Johnson (Cheryl’s Friend), Nadine Bernard (Cheryl’s Friend), Sasha Doucette (Photographer), Holly Moore (Journalist, APTN) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Sam Karney | December 7, 2018 |
| 12. Elizabeth Dorion | Elizabeth Dorion | Georgina Simms (Elizabeth’s Daughter), Karen Deborah Young (Elizabeth’s Friend), John Cochrane (Elizabeth’s Grandson), Primrose Bloomfield (Elizabeth’s Niece), Cpl. Janna Amirault (RCMP) | Writer: Rebecca Gibson Director: Rebecca Gibson | December 15, 2018 |
| 13. Caitlin Pots | Caitlin Pots | The day before her disappearance, 27-year-old Caitlin Potts was last seen at Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna, British Columbia, and an official missing persons alert appeared on March 21, 2016. Caitlin’s disappearance is being treated as a homicide. Sadly, two other young women are missing from this region. Could there be a connection? INTERVIEW SUBJECTS: Priscilla Potts (Caitlin’s Mother), Ashley Potts (Caitlin’s Sister), Jody Leon (MMIWG Advocate), Cpl. Dan Moskaluk (RCMP) | Writer: Jacquie Black Director: Tyson Caron | December 21, 2018 |

## Ratings

Season 1 of the series is estimated to have reached an average of 100,000 viewers in its initial airing, increasing to 1.4 million after its release on CBC.

## Awards and nominations

* Nomination: 6th Canadian Screen Awards (Factual Program or Series), (Editorial Research - Rebecca Gibson, Bernadette Smith, Madison Thomas, "Tina Fontaine")
* Winner: 2017 Accolade Global Film Competition Award of Merit (Rebecca Gibson, Eagle Vision (Canada), TAKEN – Emily Osmond, Television – Program / Series)
* Winner: 2017 Beyond Borders ECPAT Canadian Media Awards (English Electronic: Rebecca Gibson, Kyle Irving, Lisa Meeches, Jacquie Black Taken – Cherisse Houle APTN, CBC)