Almost two weeks of searching for a brother and sister from the Muskoday First Nation have ended.
Alex McGillivary, 20, and Kathryn Cusveller, 24, were found camping in a field on the outskirts of the reserve late on Sept. 8.
Family and community members were concerned because one of them had not taken needed medication along when they first left the community and are relieved to know they are fine.
“These past two weeks have been very emotional, and we are so relieved they are safe and sound. They are healthy, in good spirits, and want to stay where they are. They wanted to live off the grid and were unaware that we were searching for them. Now that we know where they are, we will be checking up on them. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank everyone for helping us,” said family member Lance McGillivary, in a news release issued by the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Search, Rescue and Recovery Team on Sept. 9.
On August 29 Muskoday’s Chief and Council activated its emergency operations centre to begin the search, which was led by Muskoday First Nation Volunteer Fire Department, and PAGC’s Search, Rescue and Recovery team, along with the support of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and RCMP.
“This is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” said Chief Ava Bear. “We initiated the search because we were deeply concerned about their safety, and we wanted to support the family. We made this search a top priority, and it was important that we did everything within our power to try to find them. I am grateful to everyone for their efforts—from everyone on the ground, to all those who donated food and supplies. Every offer of support helped in one way or another. We come from a caring community, and this search truly showed how we all come together to help one another in need.”
