The reward to help find missing teen Jennifer Leigh Catcheway has now reached $10,000.

A recent announcement was made by Brokenhead Ojibway First Natio the band is contributing $2,500 to bring the reward amount up to $10,000 in an effort to help in the search for Catcheway.

When the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) held its general assembly in August at Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation, the Catcheway family attended and spoke about their plight to try to find their missing daughter Jennifer.

"It's a sad thing when something like that happens," said Brokenhead Chief Deborah Chief. "I can't imagine what they go through, all the stress and worry and grief. If we can lessen that, then that is why we did it, to help them out somehow. As First Nations people, we have got to be able to help each other."

Chief said the funds donated by Brokenhead were offered to the family to be used as needed for food, gas, money for searching, or for the reward.

Manitoba Search and Rescue Association (MSRA), the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Long Plain First Nation had made donations for the reward previously.

George Leonard, from MSRA, said all contributions to the reward may encourage someone to come forward with information about Catcheway's whereabouts.

Catcheway, 18, has been missing since June 19. Her family last heard from their daughter on the day of her birthday and was expecting her home for a barbecue.

The Portage la Prairie teen was reported to have been in the Grand Rapids area and may have been seen at Dakota Tipi First Nation before her disappearance.

abrown@cpheraldleader.com

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