First Nation launches ground search for missing woman near Pickle Lake, Ont.

Members of Mishkeegogamang First Nation in northern Ontario are searching for Charnelle Masakeyash, who was reported missing on Monday, Nov. 9.

The ground search is taking place near Pickle Lake, Ont., next door to Mishkeegogamang, according to Stephanie Masakeyash, Charnelle's younger sister.

"They found a few items," Stephanie Masakeyash said. "It doesn't look good because she would have already called. It's not like her to just go and leave like that. She had kids, she wouldn't just up and leave like that without telling anybody."

Masakeyash said her 26-year-old sister has three young children, aged eight, five and three. They're currently staying with their grandmother.

She said she last heard from her sister about a month ago but began to get increasingly concerned last week when Charnelle didn't attend a court appearance.

"It's not like her not to call," she said. "I just hope she's out there somewhere safe, like I hope she's not hurt, but it doesn't look good."

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said it is currently investigating a missing persons report filed in Mishkeegogamang.