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It has been almost a month since five-year-old Frank Young went missing and the search continues.
But as all efforts have been exhausted by the Red Earth Cree Nation, surrounding communities and the RCMP, they are calling for more help.
On Monday, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) called for additional support from the provincial and federal governments.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron says the request has been submitted and they expect action to be taken right away to help find Young.
“Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau and Premier Scott Moe, support us, send your resources, send your army, the Rangers. There is a lot of fatigue that has transpired the last month from the searchers,” Cameron said.
Crews have been covering areas of land and water for the past four weeks and Red Earth Cree Nation Chief Fabian Head says they’re not giving up hope.
“Despite this being Day 28, we still are viewing this as a rescue mission,” Head said.
It was also the first time Young’s family publicly addressed the situation. They were very thankful for the support they’ve received.
“Ever since Day 1 when Frank went missing, we’ve come (together) as a family. I just want to make that known to everybody that my family is very strong. And the reason we are strong is because we come together as one,” said Young’s grandmother, Teresa Whitecap.
“The family is overwhelmed with worry and grief, and they are overwhelmed by the public attention. However, they are extremely grateful for all the support. They believe it is important to talk about the past four weeks and the impact on the family,” Whitecap added.
A candlelight vigil was held in Red Earth on Sunday night for Young in the hopes that he is found.
The entire family has been taken aback not only by the prayers and support from community members, but messages they’ve received from outside the province.
“Through Facebook we see a lot of support, people sending messages to us, people lighting candles almost every night for Frank. Last night, before I spoke, I was told, ‘Australia is thinking about us too,’ ” Whitecap said tearfully.
“That really hit my heart. I didn’t realize there were other countries thinking about us, especially Frank.”
The repeated message on Monday was that crews will not stop until Young is found, but as the search continues, resources, proper equipment and finances are running thin.
That’s why requests have been submitted provincially and federally to bring in the military and Rangers who have the vehicles for the wet, spring conditions.
Prince Albert Grand Council Search and Rescue president Michelle Vandevord gave another request outside of government to other First Nations.
“What I’d really like to do is reach out to our First Nation communities all over Saskatchewan and across the borders of Alberta, Manitoba and as far as B.C. We need help. We need more people on the ground. And if you’re able to, I’m asking my First Nation sisters, brothers (and) cousins to please help the family and come help search,” Vandevord said.
Finding Young remains the top priority for the family, search crews, Red Earth and Shoal Lake Cree Nations and the FSIN.
“We are still looking for Frank, and we won’t stop until we find him,” Head said.
“Our entire community has banded together to support Frank’s family and our hope is to find him safe. Our community has been working hard these past three weeks to find Frank.”
There has yet to be a response from the provincial or federal governments on the request for more support.