In Edmonton’s river valley, volunteers maintain a sacred fire around the clock as they continue the search for 14-year-old Samuel Bird, who went missing from Paul First Nation in west Edmonton in June. The fire serves as the focal point of a command post established at Dawson Park this month, acting as a central hub for organizing food, donations, and coordinating search efforts on land and water for the missing teenager.
Many of the volunteers share a personal connection to Samuel Bird’s disappearance, with Dominic Bear, who has been at the command post for nearly three weeks, reflecting on his own past experiences. Bear, having run away from home as a teenager, empathizes with the situation, recalling the relief of his family upon his return.
The command post, initiated by Samuel’s mother Alanna and supported by elders and volunteers, has seen an outpouring of support from various regions, including Manitoba, B.C., Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. What started with a handful of individuals has now grown to over 100 people showing up daily to assist in the search efforts.
Alanna Bird, tirelessly searching for her son since his disappearance, recounts her initial solo efforts scouring the city for any sign of Samuel. As summer progressed, more volunteers joined the search parties, prompting the establishment of the command post to streamline search operations and coverage tracking.
The police have been actively involved in the investigation, conducting interviews, reviewing CCTV footage, and searching relevant locations connected to Samuel Bird’s case. Despite the challenges and the vast area to cover, Alanna Bird remains determined, engaging in heartfelt conversations with her missing son during moments of despair.
Volunteers like Alden Boysis have joined the search, driven by a personal connection to the cause and a desire to contribute meaningfully. As the season transitions to autumn, the search faces new challenges with the changing landscape, but the commitment to finding Samuel remains unwavering.
Efforts to designate the case as a search and recovery mission are underway, aiming to secure federal funding to enhance search capabilities. Regardless of the outcome, volunteers stand united, vowing to persist until Samuel is located, offering closure to Alanna and her family.
The unwavering dedication of the volunteers is evident, with Bear expressing the sentiment that they will continue their efforts until Samuel is found, providing solace to the grieving family and the community.