Sacred Fire Anchors Search for Missing Indigenous Teen

A community’s response

In Edmonton’s Dawson Park, a volunteer-led command post has become the heart of the search for Samuel Bird, a 14-year-old from Paul First Nation who went missing in west Edmonton on June 1. At the centre burns a sacred fire, tended day and night, symbolizing both hope and resilience.

How the search began

Samuel’s mother, Alanna Bird, began the search alone, scouring downtown streets on a rented scooter, asking strangers if they had seen her son. Over time, word spread, and what began as a solitary mission evolved into an organized effort. The command post was established to track search areas, prepare meals for volunteers, and collect donations.

Why people join

For many volunteers, Samuel’s disappearance is deeply personal. Dominic Bear, who once ran away from home as a teen, said he was moved by Samuel’s youth and his own memories of being missing. Bear now helps lead the command post, ensuring the Bird family is not left searching alone.

Who is involved

Volunteers have arrived from across Canada — Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories — with daily participation surpassing 100 people. Many are connected through shared experiences of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, which drives their commitment to continue searching.

Where the search goes

From Edmonton’s river valley to the MacKinnon Ravine, search teams walk forested trails, scan riverbanks, and comb through parks. Signs of community support are visible at the Dawson Park post, where a “Happy Birthday” banner marked Samuel’s 15th birthday this month.

What authorities are doing

Edmonton police issued a missing person alert on July 11 and searched a related residence on Sept. 18. Investigators have conducted interviews and reviewed surveillance footage, but no ground search has been led by police. The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations is urging that the case be reclassified as a search and recovery to unlock federal support.

Holding on to hope

As autumn leaves blanket the search areas, challenges mount, but volunteers say they will remain until Samuel is found. “As long as that fire is lit, we’re going to be here,” said Bear. “When we find Samuel, we can put him to rest and give closure to his family.”

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A Community on Edge: 16-Year-Old Harley Laursen Missing

Imagine your loved one suddenly vanishing—no calls, no messages, no trace. That’s the unsettling reality Harley Laursen’s family is facing right now, and Surrey Police are urging the public to help bring her home.

Last Seen in Broad Daylight

Harley Laursen, just 16 years old, was last spotted around 11:30 a.m. on July 4, near the 8300 block of 157 Street in Surrey. Since that morning, there’s been complete silence—no contact, no updates.

Described as a Métis teen, Harley stands five-foot-one and weighs approximately 200 pounds. She has brown eyes and blonde shoulder-length hair streaked with pink. When last seen, she was wearing a black floral dress, white headphones, and purple flip flops.

Family Fears the Worst

According to a July 12 news release, Harley’s disappearance is completely out of character. She’s usually in regular contact with her support network. Her family is deeply concerned, especially since she’s never gone this long without checking in.

Their growing worry has turned into a public plea: Where is Harley?

You Might Hold the Key

Every second counts in a missing person case. Surrey Police are asking anyone who may have seen Harley or has information—no matter how small—to come forward.

If you know anything that could help, call the Surrey Police Service non-emergency line at 604-599-0502. Be sure to reference file number 25-38157 (SU).

Let’s Bring Harley Home

Whether you’re a neighbor, passerby, or someone who thinks they saw something—your tip could make all the difference. Let’s work together to reunite Harley with the people who love her. Her safety may depend on your call.

The post Help Find Harley: 16-Year-Old Girl Missing in Surrey first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Missing Boater Discovered Deceased Near Brooklyn, N.L.

A man who was reported overdue from a boating trip off the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland was found dead Sunday morning, according to RCMP officials. The discovery was made near the shoreline of Brooklyn, a short distance from where the man’s boat was found abandoned.

Timeline of the Incident

The man departed from Bloomfield on Saturday evening in a small, motorless boat. RCMP in Clarenville received a report that he was overdue at approximately 8:30 a.m. NT on Sunday. At the time of his departure, weather conditions were reported to be windy, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Search Response and Recovery

Before full search and rescue teams were deployed, local residents located the man’s boat along a shoreline in Brooklyn. Shortly afterward, his body was discovered nearby on a beach. The RCMP confirmed he was not wearing a life-jacket at the time of recovery.

Location and Environmental Conditions

The incident occurred along Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula, between the communities of Bloomfield and Brooklyn. The area is known for its rugged coastal environment, where wind and water conditions can change rapidly—posing risks for small or non-motorized vessels.

Safety Concerns and Public Reminder

In response to the incident, the RCMP is urging boaters to prioritize safety. Authorities emphasize the importance of wearing life-jackets, checking weather forecasts, and sharing travel plans with others before heading out on the water.

Ongoing Awareness Efforts

No foul play is suspected, but the RCMP’s public safety message underscores the dangers of boating without proper precautions. As the summer boating season ramps up, officials hope increased awareness will help prevent further tragedies.

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The post Boater Found Dead on Bonavista Shore After Going Missing first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Missing Child Case Shakes Quebec

Three-year-old Claire Bell has been missing since Sunday, prompting a large-scale search effort across southwestern Quebec. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) is urgently asking for the public’s help in locating the toddler or any clues that could aid in the investigation.

Last Known Location and Timeline

Claire was last seen around 9:45 a.m. on June 8 at her home in LaSalle, a borough of Montreal. Her mother reported her missing nearly five hours later in Coteau-du-Lac, approximately 50 kilometres west, after entering a business on Chemin St-Emmanuel in a state of panic. The woman allegedly told store staff she couldn’t remember what had happened, prompting a 911 call.

Vehicle of Interest Identified

Authorities are focusing their efforts on locating a grey 2007 Ford Escape, with Quebec license plate K50 FVE and a “Baby on Board” sticker on the top right of its rear windshield. The SQ urges anyone who saw the vehicle between 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday in the LaSalle or Coteau-du-Lac areas to come forward.

Dog Found, Connection to Claire Possible

On Monday evening around 5:30 p.m., a brown Chihuahua—believed to have been with Claire when she disappeared—was found dead near Highway 30 in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Police are working to confirm whether the animal is indeed the same dog.

Child’s Description and Ongoing Search Efforts

Claire Bell is three feet tall, weighs 35 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing grey pants and a long-sleeved shirt with pink trim, and is believed to be barefoot.

Specialized SQ units have been conducting round-the-clock searches, deploying helicopters, drones, and K-9 teams. A command post has been established in Coteau-du-Lac, while additional searches are underway near the Ontario border.

Investigation Launched, No Amber Alert

The SQ has initiated two parallel investigations: one into Claire’s disappearance and another focused on reconstructing the timeline. Despite the urgency, an Amber Alert has not been issued. According to SQ spokesperson Jean-Raphaël Drolet, the situation, while deeply concerning, does not currently meet the legal criteria for an alert.

“There needs to be reasonable grounds to believe there’s been a kidnapping and that it poses an immediate threat to the child’s life,” Drolet stated. “At this point, we don’t have that evidence.”

Public Asked to Assist

Residents of LaSalle, Coteau-du-Lac, and surrounding communities are urged to check their properties and report anything unusual. Tips can be shared by calling 911 or the SQ’s confidential line at 1-800-659-4264.

The SQ remains committed to locating Claire and is asking for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public.

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The post Search Intensifies for Missing Montreal Toddler Claire Bell first appeared on Maple News Wire.