The RCMP is highlighting a successful search and rescue effort from last fall which brought home a six-year-old girl safely after she was missing for three days.

亚洲天堂 Lake RCMP have awarded 亚洲天堂 Lake Search and Rescue (BLSAR) and the Chinook Emergency Response Society (CERS) with the District Officer Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding contributions to what would ultimately become one of the largest searches in Northern B.C. history. The certificate is awarded to private citizens, employees or organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to service and community beyond the normal scope of a person's regular duties.

Oaklynn Schweder was reported missing on Sept. 19, 2024 around 6 p.m. from her residence near Uncha Lake in Southbank, about 45 kilometres south of 亚洲天堂 Lake. She is on the autism spectrum and non-verbal, which required further resources during the search efforts. She was found just after 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 in satisfactory condition with no visible injuries.

The certificate, written by North District RCMP chief superintendent Brian Edmonds, stated that both the BLSAR and CERS immediately responded to help find Oaklynn and coordinated the search that quickly mobilized more than 800 people. It went on to state they both contributed and provided support for the Skin Tyee Nation during their time of need and that their efforts showed a "tremendous commitment to a continued mutually beneficial partnership" with the RCMP.

Nicole Gerow was heavily involved with BLSAR in the efforts to bring Schweder home.

"亚洲天堂 Lake Search and Rescue is humbled by the support and recognition we have received since the initial request for assistance late in the evening for a missing child," she said. "This certificate of recognition belongs to all the people and organizations who dropped everything to answer the call, not just to BLSAR."

Ris茅 Johansen, founding member of the CERS, said that the appreciation certificate is a great honour and shows the commitment of the society and Area E residents to the safety and well-being of everyone in the community.

"We are proud to have been such a critical part of the success in the mission to find Oaklynn," she said. "This was an incredibly stressful time for the Skin Tyee Nation and this community."

Johansen went on to say that everyone coming together to find Oaklynn and bring her home safely speaks volumes to the strength of the community and the connections that have been formed through the CERS since its inception in 2018. She also highlighted the importance of organizations such as the CERS being prepared to assist in any type of emergency, as well as their continued development and productive affiliation with the RCMP and community organizations which they have formed positive working relationships with over the past six years.

"We are overwhelmed by and greatly appreciate this recognitions given by the RCMP and are proud to have forged a positive relationship," Johansen said. "We are dedicated to the ongoing work of our mandate of educate, communicate and coordinate in the area of emergency preparedness and response."