‘We never, ever give up:’ search for missing woman and boy continues

Eleven days after Dawn Walker was last seen, the RCMP have expanded their search along the river, Saskatoon police are continuing their missing persons investigation, and people are being asked to check their properties for the missing 48-year-old woman and a seven-year-old boy.

After a long weekend without any significant updates, those involved in the search and investigation gathered Tuesday to share the latest news and answer questions at the Saskatoon Inn.

Though Walker lives in Saskatoon, Chief Richard Stonechild said Okanese First Nation is Walker’s home community. He said the community is small and close, cherishing all its members.

Stonechild issued a call to Saskatoon residents, asking people to check their properties and yards for any signs of the missing woman and boy. He also shared prayers for the boy’s family, and invited anyone related to Walker or the boy to join them at the search area where some family members have spent days awaiting each new update on the search.

“You’re more than welcome. We know this is difficult on you also, and our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Stonechild said.

“It’s better we come together, share those emotions, share these hard times together, and we’ll get through it together.”`

Staff Sgt. Grant Obst, with the Saskatoon Police Service’s criminal investigations division — the unit usually tasked with investigating missing person’s cases – said Saskatoon police are involved in the investigation because the last time Walker was seen, on July 22, was in Saskatoon.

He said missing persons cases require some complex training, which officers in his division are equipped with. In these cases, Obst said establishing a timeline of the movements of a person are critical, and can be done in a number of ways. Clues like previous contact people had with the missing person, cell phone and bank records, vehicles and statements from witnesses are crucial aspects of an investigation like this one, Obst said.

Obst said police do not have Walker’s cell phone, and he could not offer information about any recent activity on Walker’s phone or accounts.

“That’s an area that the investigators are focused on. I can tell you that they’re focused on it right now,” Obst shared. “As more information comes to light, as the investigation progresses, I can assure you that you’ll be updated.”

When asked whether there is a person of interest in the case, Obst said police are looking into their previous contact with Walker. Last week, police confirmed in an interview that Walker had filed multiple reports with them about domestic violence.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Greg Abbott said a thorough land search in Chief Whitecap Park, where Walker’s vehicle was found, has been completed. Searches on the water are still happening, and Abbott said the search has stretched along the South Saskatchewan River from Chief Whitecap Park to the weir in Saskatoon.

Abbott reiterated the importance of the involvement of family members in these cases. He said it has been “heart wrenching” to see the pain Walker’s friends, family and supporters are going through each day as they wait for news.

Erica Bowden, who is co-ordinating the Indigenous search group for the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), said there is knowledge and expertise that Indigenous people have that make them invaluable assets to the investigation and search for Walker and the boy, which is why an Indigenous-led search is also going to be organized.

Bowden has worked on searches involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls since 2006. This search is particularly emotional, as Walker works as executive operating officer for FSIN.

“We never, ever give up, because every life matters,” Bowden said, calling the current situation “incredibly serious.” Bowden added that any case involving a child is critical.

While FSIN chief Bobby Cameron shared his concerns that no Amber Alert has been issued by police, Obst said the requirements for such an alert require proof of an abduction of a child.

The FSIN has said they plan to announce a reward for information that aids in the investigation.

“We’ll announce it in 48 hours when the time is right, with the family’s approval,” Cameron said.