Vanderhoof Canadian Ranger Patrol helps locate missing six-year-old girl in Northern B.C.

October 7, 2024 - Pte Doug Zdanivsky, Quesnel Canadian Ranger Patrol, 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

It was just after 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 that word came in over the radio that Oaklynn Schweder, a six‑year‑old girl who had been missing since the evening of Sept. 19—73 hours earlier—had been found in a clearing between her home and the Skin Tyee Band Office.

Search and rescue teams from across British Columbia, the BC Wildfire Service, and hundreds of local civilian volunteers converged on Southbank, a small community south of Burns Lake, to conduct the search.

The RCMP also requested the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces, who deployed the Vanderhoof Canadian Ranger Patrol. Sergeant Chris Buker, the Vanderhoof Patrol Commander, says he found out about the search the morning of Sept. 20, and by the afternoon he had heard from his chain of command authorising the Patrol's deployment.

The urgent nature of the search was all the greater not just due to Oaklynn’s age and the weather, but also because she is on the autism spectrum and non‑verbal, though searchers were advised she would respond to her name.

The Rangers were tasked with scanning the shoreline of Uncha Lake with their boats, and leading groups of civilian volunteers on land searches. The BC Search and Rescue search manager was grateful for the equipment Rangers typically carry with them daily, such as radios and GPS units. The cool and wet conditions were challenging, and a testament to the resiliency of the young Oaklynn, who had left home three nights prior without rain gear or shoes.

“I was moved by the incredible community support – over 600 people showed up,” Sgt Buker said. “I am very proud of how our Rangers performed and were able to jump right in and assist with the search effort. Some of the training we have done lately really proved valuable these last few days.”

A spokesperson for the RCMP and BC Search and Rescue said it was one of the largest search operations ever recorded in Northern B.C. RCMP drones equipped with heat‑sensing technology were utilized, as well as BC Search and Rescue and RCMP search dogs. Searches were also conducted from the air with BC Wildfire Service helicopters.

“Words can’t describe how overjoyed and emotional the end of the day of searching was today,” said Master Corporal Dan Geary, a member of the Vanderhoof Patrol. “The collective effort of every single person and organization involved brought little Oaklynn home to her family. The community members of the south side are amazing.”

Oaklynn was assessed at the hospital and found to be in good condition. Her parents were extremely grateful for everyone’s support and assistance, and have taken to social media to express their appreciation.