The BC Assembly of First Nations is calling for a new missing child alert system in the wake of two cases of missing Indigenous children.
Similar to the Amber Alert System, the BC Assembly of First Nations is calling for a new system to “address disparities regarding the protection of First Nations children,” according to a release Monday (Sept. 23).
Oaklynn Schweder, a non-verbal child on the autism spectrum, was found just outside of Burns Lake Sunday after a four-day search. She was found in “satisfactory condition,” but taken to Burns Lake hospital for further evaluation.
The six-year-old was reported missing on Sept. 6.
Police said Oaklyn was found in a forested area previously searched between her home and the band office, “leaving searchers to believe she was likely moving around during the time she was missing.
More than 600 volunteers joined police and search and rescue teams to look for Oaklynn. Police issued a second release on Saturday to say that helicopters and police service dogs were also being used in the search.
