Family continues search for Mi'kmaw father of 6, missing for 2 weeks

The family of a Mi'kmaw man missing since Aug. 10 say they just want to know he's safe. 

"You gotta touch base with someone and let us know you're OK," said Roddy Christmas, brother of Edwin Christmas.

Edwin Christmas, 39, was last seen leaving his house in Membertou First Nation, near Sydney, N.S., at around 6:55 a.m. Aug. 10. 

He is described as six feet tall with brown eyes and short black hair. He was driving a red 2017 Chevrolet Traverse SUV with front end damage, licence plate GCH518.

Edwin Christmas is a single father of six, and his kids range in age from five to 16 years old.

"Our family are taking in the kids, as we can to make sure they're cared for," said Roddy Christmas. 

He said it's strange they haven't heard from his brother. He said his brother is a hardworking family man who has spent over 20 years as a commercial fisherman.

He said Edwin's cell phone was last pinged in Eskasoni First Nation, about 40 kilometres southeast of Membertou,  around 11 a.m. on Aug. 10 and that a search has swept the area. Roddy Christmas said the Big Pond area in Cape Breton has also been swept. He said he is thankful for all the volunteers who have spent countless hours searching.

He said his brother could be anywhere. 

"There's not a lot to bank on, so we're really banking on the public to help us," he said.

Membertou Chief Terry Paul said they continue to support efforts to locate Edwin Christmas. 

"The overwhelming outreach from the Membertou and greater community has been impactful to those searching day and night for Edwin," he said in an emailed statement to CBC News. 

"Our thoughts are with the family during this uncertain time."

In a media release Aug. 15, Cape Breton Regional Police Service said it was continuing to look for Edwin Christmas and asked anyone who has seen or heard from him, or seen his vehicle, to call 902-563-5151.