Woman missing from Saik'uz First Nation found dead, family confirms

A woman reported missing from the Saik'uz First Nation nearly a month ago has been found dead, according to a media release issued by Carrier Sekani Family Services on behalf of the family.

Chelsey Quaw (Heron), 29, was reported missing from Saik'uz Traditional Territory on Oct. 11.

Last week, First Nation leaders and Quaw's family held a press conference calling for more support from investigators, the media and the public in helping to locate Quaw and 28-year-old Jay Raphael, who has been missing from the area since February.

In a statement, Quaw's mother, Pam Heron, says her daughter's remains were found Monday afternoon.

"Chelsey had the most amazing spirit, beautiful strength and independence," Heron said."Most importantly, she had an incredible impact on those in her life. We will not rest until we get answers."

Four years ago, a national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls made 33 recommendations around improving safety on Highway 16, known as the Highway of Tears. More than 40 women and girls, mostly Indigenous, have gone missing or been murdered along a 700-kilometre stretch of the highway, which borders the Saik'uz First Nation.

"Chelsey was a beautiful soul that was taken from us too soon," Mary Teegee, executive director of Carrier SekaniChild and Family Services, said in the release."We need to ensure that something like this never happens again."

Anyone with information about Quaw or Raphaelis asked to contact Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).