UPDATE, DAY 7, MAY 15, 2011 - transition to Tmicw Search Team

Irene Billy did the opening prayer. Kukpi7 Wilson reported that we had over 100 people or more on the mountain searching for Neskie Manuel on Saturday, May 14, 2011. She stressed that there is even more urgent to finding Neskie now given the number of days he has been missing and that we need to be strategic in our transition.

Arthur Manuel thanked all the people who go up the mountain to take the time and energy to help them, including the people who came out with the horses (Upper Nicola and Okanagan Indian Band) and searched a large area. He said as a family and a father, we really have to look to our community, our people and our band to assist and stand collectively to deal with this carve out a way of dealing with situations regarding missing people.

Wayne Christian, Tribal Chair, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Chief of Splatsin, recalled the commitment of the National Chief Shawn Atleo (who was at Neskonlith on Wednesday) to bringing Neskie home. He said it is not uncommon for our people to go missing, including Aboriginal men. We have to build our own capacity and our own process in look out for our own in our own territory that we know better than others. In this case, we are doing a transition and since the federal government will be part of the decision-making and he will talk to the National Chief to ensure they do not leave us without the necessary resources.

Joan Phillip, Councillor Penticton Indian Band, said she had been for the day and realized what is required in terms of equipment and capacity and that it is important that we build support. Stewart Phillip, President Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) expressed his admiration and deep respect to all the people that were up on the mountain side who he had spent the day searching with making him realize how difficult this is. We live in a world where we need to rely on different entities, like the RCMP, but it is abundantly clear that we need to develop our own capacity, which will only happen if we apply the necessary pressure to Canada and the province and the highest echelons of the RCMP. For this transition period he called for internal organization and more and more people to come out.

Sergeant Troy Beauregard, Chase RCMP, said that the official search will continue for one more day and even though it may be suspended after, he recognizes the importance of liaising more and to stand collectively. The goal is to bring Neskie back. He also announced that weather permitting a FLIR (thermal imaging) will be out at 4 a.m. on Monday morning to search the area.

Rob, Search Manager for Shuswap Search and Rescue, said that there had been an unprecedented number of volunteers out today (more than he had ever seen in his 22 years of doing this) and they were able to cover an incredible amount of ground today and the experience with the area volunteers had been extremely positive. He said that people have built experience on the ground, and that they are ready to transfer more knowledge and have come up with strategies for next areas to search.

Mark D'Aquino, FN Emergency Services (FNES) said he was there to help transition to community taking over the search with the focus on bringing Neskie home safe and satisfying everyone in the community.

Following traditional protocol, Kukpi7 Wilson thanked the above speakers by presenting them with tokens of appreciation of the Secwepemc people, including little bundles with medicine.

TRANSITIONAL PLANNING:

Kukpi7 Wilson noted that a lot of people have also been searching other areas and it is important that we get their data back and onto maps. We have to be strategic about the next steps. Shawn Billy said that in the transition period we will need gear, like radios and walkie talkies for an ongoing search.

Arthur Manuel called for setting up a search committee and making sure we have all the areas that have been searched transferred onto a map. We really need to speak to people who have been out there. Also the search teams had eliminated some key areas like Neskonlith Creek. Possible people who can assist with coordination are: Art and Cora Anthony, Martha Manuel, John Anderson, Cathy Arnouse, Robin Billy, Teddy Dick, Lorne Sampson, Randy Sam and others.

Jennifer Dick requested a committee to coordinate volunteer searches and possibly moving the command centre. Dawn Morrison and Janice Billy suggested positions that different people could take on like: communications coordinator; volunteer recruitment; first aid and safety; transportation; mapping and strategy; food; funding and donations; and equipment.

Elder, Minnie Kenoras said that we need action and called people to sign up as volunteers, set up a command structure and get together. Elder, Sarah Deneault said she is helpful that young people who have been ready to help from beginning in the kitchen and doing things for the community. This is a good thing, we have to train and do things on our own as Secwepemc people. Kukpi7 Ignace said Neskie has brought the people together he has done a good job.

Beverly Manuel said that Neskie is still out there and breathing and that a lot of people have been sending their support and messages from all over.

WE ARE IN TRANSITION NOW and the NESKONLITH INDIAN BAND WILL NEED MORE ASSISTANCE:

   EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

       Radios on the PEP channel or those that can be programmed into different channels (special frequency)
       2 way radios (shorter distance)
       Search ribbon - purple (or colour that stands out)
       Safety vests (with pockets): orange colour - 100
       Food
       Horses
       Quads
       Money for Gas
       Donations can be sent to the Neskonlith Indian Band, Box 318 Chase, BC V0E 1M0, Tel: (250) 679-3295, Fax: (250) 679-5306

   EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

   Chief Judy Wilson, cell: 250-3207738

   Arthur Manuel: 250-319 0688

The UBCIC is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

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