Red Earth Cree Nation says search for missing 5-year-old boy continues
Frank Young was last seen one week ago at his home on the First Nation
The Red Earth Cree Nation and Carrot River RCMP provided an update Tuesday on the search for a missing five-year old boy.
They say the search for Frank Young continues. It is day eight of search efforts.
Young was last seen outside his home on the Red Earth Cree Nation, 300 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, on the afternoon of April 19. He was living with his aunt and uncle. Young's parents live at the Shoal Lake Cree Nation.
Despite an extensive search of the First Nation and surrounding area involving RCMP, various First Nations and more than a dozen municipalities, the young boy has still not been found.
On Monday, the search was opened up to include volunteers.
On Tuesday Chief Fabian Head said the search includes 200 volunteers and 13 search groups. They have covered almost 92 square kilometres. Head said more volunteers continue to join the search.
Chief Marcel Head of Shoal Lake Cree Nation said more help is needed.
"Our crew, our search crew are getting tired. We hope to get more help in the efforts of finding Frank," said Chief Marcel Head.
He said Young's parents are receiving mental health and community support as the search for their son continues.
Searchers have looked by plane, boat, foot and car for the missing boy. Canine patrols, high resolution cameras and underwater cameras have been used as well.
Head said river levels have been rising due to ice breaks, which poses safety concerns to divers and searchers on boats.
RCMP said there is no indication that Young was abducted.
"We have no witness evidence, no video evidence to support Frank was abducted from the community," said Sgt. Richard Tonge of the RCMP's Carrot River detachment.
Tonge said the RCMP is not presuming Young to be dead at this time. This remains a rescue.
"We haven't given up hope. History [and] previous searches have shown us that humans can be incredibly resilient, and that is why our efforts continue. And we're doing everything we possibly can to find Frank. And our hope is we will find him alive."
Young was wearing Paw Patrol rubber boots and blue and green dinosaur pyjamas.
Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to call RCMP or 911.
Meanwhile, Head said there have been three unrelated deaths in the community since April 17.