Update-Chemawawin RCMP search for missing youth

June 9, 2023

On June 8, 2023, Frank Oteskan was safely located in a residence in Chemawawin Cree Nation.

Over a period of 13 days; officers, community members and many others, searched for the missing teen. This included sending a number of RCMP resources and units to the area to assist in the search, including:

• Officers from the local detachment as well as surrounding detachments,
• Search and Rescue (SAR),
• Police Dog Services (PDS),
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drone), and
• North District Containment Team.

RCMP Air Services also assisted throughout the search by flying officers in and out of the community.

In addition, the RCMP was assisted in the search by:

• Canadian Rangers,
• Office of the Fire Commissioner,
• community members, and
• search teams from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Garden Hill First Nation and Chemawawin Cree Nation.

Searches were conducted by helicopter, boat, ATVs as well as by foot. Door to door canvassing of the community was also undertaken.

RCMP Search and Rescue returned back to the community on Thursday, June 8, to assist with coordinating the ground search being led by community members. Later that day, Frank Oteskan was safely located.

“A large number of RCMP officers and resources were deployed to the community over the last week and half to help with search efforts. Every officer was committed to locating the teen and we are very pleased that he was found safely,” said Superintendent Ryan Mitchell, District Commander of the Manitoba’s RCMP North District. “I also recognize and thank all of the community members and others who devoted their time and energy to the search.”

On May 25, 2023, at approximately 4:30 pm, Chemawawin RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old male from the community.

Frank Oteskan was last seen on Sesame Street, in Chemawawin Cree First Nation (Easterville), on the evening of May 23.

Police and family are concerned for his well-being.

He is 5′, 130 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.

If you have information on his whereabouts please call Chemawawin RCMP at 204-329-2000, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

–30–

Contact information

Cpl. Julie Courchaine, Media Relations Officer
RCMP Media Relations
204-983-8497

Media.Relations.RCMP.Manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb
Twitter @rcmpmb | @GRCManitoba
http://www.facebook.com/rcmpmb | https://www.facebook.com/GRCManitoba

NT5