(file photo/paNOW)

By Nigel Maxwell

Missing persons

Crews leaving no stone untouched, in search for missing step-siblings

Aug 30, 2021 | 12:42 PM

UPDATE: Prince Albert RCMP confirmed on Sept. 9 that Alex McGillivary and Kathryn Cusveller have been found safe.

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A massive search effort continues south of Prince Albert today for two missing adults, described as a brother and sister, who are never seen apart.

Alex McGillivary, 20, and Kathryn Cusveller, 24, were last seen on Aug. 20. Both were living at Muskoday First Nation.

The search effort is being led by the Muskoday Volunteer Department, in conjunction with Prince Albert Grand Council Search, Rescue and Recovery Team and Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management. Muskoday Fire Chief Troy Bear explained the focus of the search is now in the area on the west side of the community, which includes the pow wow grounds and the back pasture.

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“We are staying optimistic we can have a good result in this search,” he said.

Muskoday Fire Chief Troy Bear goes over the plan during a meeting Monday morning. (Submitted/ Michelle Vandevoord)

Michelle Vandevord, associate director of Sask. First Nations Emergency Management, explained Alex’s grand parents live across the river, so it’s an area he is familiar with and may go to.

“He’s always talking about living off the land, very adamant people should not be living in houses, and now being off his meds, I think that idea has really stuck in his head,” she said, adding that because Alex has been off his medications for so long, concern for his safety is heightened.

Vandevord also explained the pair, which she described as step-siblings, are inseparable, even opening their own business together in Prince Albert.

“I know there’s been reports of her being seen in Prince Albert but we dont think that’s the case because they are very close and we don’t see a reason why they’d split up,” she said.

Chief Ava Bear sits with a group of volunteer searchers. (Submitted photo/ Michelle Vandevoord)

In addition to crews on horseback, and people in boats, drones are being used to search the area. And over the weekend, dozens of local community members helped out, but with people returning to work this week, those numbers have decreased. Anyone wanting to help out, is asked to register at the Muskoday Fire Department. Food donations and supplies for the search teams are also appreciated.

Muskoday Chief Ava Bear expressed her gratitude to everyone who has either helped out with the search or made a donation. And like the fire chief, she too remains hopeful for a good result.

“Everybody is just hoping for a safe return of these two individuals,” she said.

A Facebook group has also been created to help provide updates in the search.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell