In Saskatchewan, advocacy groups for First Nations are calling for the implementation of a national alert system for Aboriginal people, especially following the disappearance, on April 19, of Frank Young, age 5, near Nation cries Red Earth.
There is a lack of awareness. When a native disappears, it’s not taken seriouslysaid the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations of Saskatchewan (FSIN) Third Vice-Chief Aly Bear.
Currently, messages are posted on the Facebook pages of various communities. It’s not the same as alerting everyonehe pointed out, however.
Ang FSIN states that Amber Alert is not suitable for all cases of missing children. This type of alert is broadcast on cell phones, on the radio and on television when a child is missing and there are fears for his or her safety.
In the case of Frank Young’s disappearance, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said there were no signs of abduction.
We were very disappointed. We feel like we have forgotten and we also feel the targettold The Canadian Press Stephanie Harpe, a member of Fort McKay First Nation located in Alberta.
Studies across Canada indicate more loss of Aboriginals, particularly women, than other groups in the country.
The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police is one of the few that collects statistics on missing persons. Between 1940 and 2020, 45% of the losses were Indigenous. According to the 2016 Canadian census, just over 16% of Canada’s population is recognized as Indigenous.
We see no change [dans le traitement des cas de disparition] for the natives. It’s heartbreakingsaid Ms. Harp.
Inspired by Washington State
In March, the State of Washington passed legislation to create a system to assist in the search for missing Indigenous people.
When the alert is triggered, news bulletins on highway signs and radio messages, in addition to releases for local newspapers, are broadcast.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe believes a discussion needs to take place.
Whether it’s an Aboriginal alert or a change to the Amber Alert standard, I believe that is a discussion that needs to take place between the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Christine Tell, and possibly the RCMPMr. Moe explained last week.
Whenever there is an opportunity to improve procedures for missing children, it is worth discussingHe added.
About RCMPit is open to discussions.
With information from the Canadian Press
Source: Radio-Canada
