A six-year-old girl who was reported missing in northern B.C. earlier this week has been found safe after an extensive search. Oaklynn Schweder, who had been missing since Thursday evening, was located on Sunday evening, according to the Burns Lake RCMP.
The RCMP confirmed her safe return Sunday evening. "She was found in a forested area previously searched between her residence and the band office, leaving searchers to believe she was likely moving around during the time she was missing," the RCMP stated.
Oaklynn, a member of the Skin Tyee Nation, was last seen outside her Southbank home on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Police and community members combed the area looking for the girl, described as non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. The effort was later joined by search and rescue teams from other communities, including a Nanaimo group, and the Canadian Rangers. Searchers used helicopters, drones and dogs.
The RCMP says the search efforts involved "significant resources from across the province including the RCMP, Search and Rescue, BC Wildfire Service, as well as volunteers." They also noted that Canadian Rangers had been called out to support the continuing search efforts.
The Skin Tyee Nation has also been assisting by coordinating volunteers and providing them with food and shelter. "We are thankful for the outpouring of support, including a large number of volunteers, who have all come together with the common goal of bringing Oaklynn home safely," said Staff Sgt. Josh Smith, commander of the Burns Lake RCMP detachment.
Smith added that "locating Oaklynn remains our top priority. We continue to liaise with Oaklynn’s family to ensure they are supported and kept apprised."
The search for the missing girl, who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, began Thursday evening. She was last seen outside her residence in Southbank, about 25 kilometres south of Burns Lake. The RCMP stated that the girl was "last seen wearing a red/blue plaid dress, leggings with white bow ties, and pink socks."
In an initial appeal for information, police said Schweder was last seen outside her home. She was wearing a red-and-blue plaid dress, leggings with white bow ties and pink socks.
Schweder is on the autism spectrum and is nonverbal, police said, adding that she will babble and make noises to communicate, and she likes to go into small spaces.
The RCMP confirmed the girl was found in a forested area previously searched between her residence and the band office. She is being taken to the Burns Lake hospital to be checked over.
Anyone with information on Schweder's whereabouts should call Burns Lake RCMP at 250-692-7171, police said. Anyone who finds the girl should call police immediately or alert search teams, and stay with her until help arrives.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search for Oaklynn was extensive and involved resources from across the province. Search and rescue teams from Kitimat, Terrace, Smithers, Houston, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, McKenzie, and Prince George joined the search. Helicopters and drones were also deployed in the area.
The RCMP stated that "despite ongoing efforts, Oaklynn has not yet been located." They added that "significant resources from across the province including the RCMP, Search and Rescue, BC Wildfire Service, as well as volunteers are in the area assisting with the search." Canadian Rangers have also been called out to support continuing search efforts.
Skin Tyee Nation's Role in the Search
The Skin Tyee Nation played a vital role in supporting the search efforts. They coordinated volunteers, providing them with food and shelter. The RCMP commended the Skin Tyee Nation for their support. "We are thankful for the outpouring of support, including a large number of volunteers, who have all come together with the common goal of bringing Oaklynn home safely," said Staff Sgt. Josh Smith.
Safe Return
The news of Oaklynn's safe return was met with relief and joy by the community and across the province. The RCMP has thanked all of the volunteers and search and rescue teams who helped in the search effort.
The RCMP is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Oaklynn's disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Burns Lake RCMP at 250-692-7171.
