Image: Wet'suwet'en First Nation / Wet'suwet'en First Nation is crediting this volunteer search and rescue team with locating the 6-year-old girl who went missing this past Thursday, Sept. 18. An RCMP spokesperson confirmed Sunday night the missing girl has indeed been located.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Missing 6-year-old girl

B.C. RCMP confirms missing 6-year-old has been located; First Nation credits volunteers with finding her

Sep 22, 2024 | 7:45 PM

BURNS LAKE — There’s immense celebration tonight in Burns Lake and all across British Columbia after police confirmed that a 6-year-old girl who went missing Thursday evening has been miraculously found.

Wet’suwet’en First Nation wrote on Facebook Sunday night at 6:48 p.m. that a volunteer search and rescue team found “beautiful Princess Oaklynn.”

“This is the Volunteer Search & Rescue Team that found beautiful Princess Oaklynn. We don’t know who they are but we are also grateful to everyone who volunteered their time to find her. We are rejoicing with all of you,” Wet’suwet’en First Nation wrote on Facebook.

B.C. RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Vanessa Munn told Fraser Valley Today over the phone Sunday night (Sept. 22) that the 6-year-old girl has been located and is safe and sound.

“This is the outcome that we all hoped for, she was missing for multiple days, but everyone searching remained dedicated to bringing her home safely,” says Burns Lake RCMP Detachment Commander, S/Sgt. Joshua Smith. “We are thankful for the support of all our partner agencies and volunteers that worked day and night to achieve this outcome.“

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On Sunday, September 22, just after 6 p.m., the girl who was reported missing in Southside was located safe. Police say she was found in a forested area previously searched between her residence and the band office, leaving searchers to believe she was likely moving around during the time she was missing.

Significant resources from across the province had been deployed to help in the search for the missing six-year-old girl, according to a B.C. RCMP press release.

The RCMP, Search and Rescue, BC Wildfire Service and volunteers were tasked with assisting in the search. Canadian Rangers were also dispatched to offer support.

Helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft systems and police service dogs had been utilized, while the Skin Tyee Band was instrumental in co-ordinating volunteers and providing them with food and shelter.