Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
BEAR RIVER — Three men reported missing during a planned foraging trip near Jayjay Lake were found safe Friday after a large-scale, two-day search involving RCMP, emergency agencies and community volunteers.
Early Friday morning, July 24, an RCMP aircraft located Roderick Bird, 49, Emil Ratt, 67, and Ricky McKenzie, 48, in a remote muskeg area near Jayjay Lake, according to Saskatchewan RCMP. A Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency helicopter airlifted the three men to safety, where they were assessed by EMS. Police said they are not believed to have suffered any serious injuries.
The three men were reported missing after failing to return from a planned foraging trip. They were last reported to be near Highway 165, about 10 kilometres north of Highway 106 near Jayjay Lake at approximately 6:45 p.m. on July 22.
Their safe return prompted expressions of relief and gratitude from Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, who thanked everyone involved in the search effort.
“Today, our hearts are full of gratitude and relief,” Cook-Searson said in a statement.
“The past two days have been difficult for their families, friends and our communities. We all shared in the worry, but we also shared in the hope. Today, we can all breathe a little easier.”
Cook-Searson thanked the families of Bird, Ratt and McKenzie for their strength and resilience, as well as the many agencies and volunteers who participated in the search.
Those recognized included LLRIB search teams, volunteers from La Ronge, Hall Lake, Sucker River and Stanley Mission, the LLRIB Lands and Resources Team, LLRIB Emergency Coordination, La Ronge RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Air Services, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency command team, Prince Albert Grand Council First Nations Emergency Management and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).
“This search showed the true strength of our Nation,” Cook-Searson said. “People came together without hesitation — giving their time, sharing their knowledge, supporting the families and never giving up hope. That spirit of unity is something we can all be proud of.”
She also thanked everyone who searched, volunteered, prayed and supported the families throughout the search.
“Today, we are happy for the safe return of Roderick Bird, Emil Ratt and Ricky McKenzie, and we are grateful they are home where they belong.”
Saskatchewan RCMP also thanked community members, CASARA and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for assisting in the successful search.
The search began after La Ronge RCMP received a report on July 22 that the three men had not returned from their planned foraging trip. Search efforts included Saskatchewan RCMP Search and Rescue, Police Dog Services, RCMP Air Services, CASARA and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
