Following discussions with the Mistanepeo family, the Natuashsish Band Chief, and the Innu Nation, the RCMP have decided to scale back the search for Kirby Mistenapeo.
The 17 year old from Natuashish has been missing since Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
According to an RCMP press release yesterday, an extensive air and ground search has been underway since Thursday, April 21, 2016.
Corporal Rick Mills of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP says there will be no more air support at this time, unless new evidence is discovered in the case.
The RCMP will continue to investigate any leads and work with the volunteer searchers and fire department as they continue to search the area on foot.
Corporal Mills says the search has been hindered by about 35 cm of new snow.
Even the RCMP police dog, “Charlie”, was unable to pick up Mistanepeo’s trail.
According to CBC News, Natuashish Chief Greg Rich said that searchers have concluded that the teenager is not in the community.
Rich said every building in Natuashish has been checked, and the hunt for Mistanepeo will now focus on areas outside of town.
Rich added that Mistanepeo was last seen outside Natuashish in an area where gatherings are held.
The RCMP are asking residents to continue reaching out to the RCMP with any additional information which may assist the RCMP in this on-going investigation.
Anyone with any idea of Mistanepeo’s whereabouts is asked to call Natuashish RCMP at 709-478-8900.