Massive search for 6-year-old B.C. girl ends with mother’s gratitude she is found safe

The non-verbal B.C. child was probably moving around a wooded area between her family home and the office of the Skin Tyee First Nation, says the RCMP

Published Sep 23, 2024  •  2 minute read

B.C. girl, Oaklynn Schweder, is carried by her mother from the wooded area where she was found. She was located after a massive three-day search. Her father follows close behind. Photo by Screengrab

Six-year-old B.C. girl, Oaklynn Schweder, has been found.

She was discovered on Sunday in a forested area between her home and the Skin Tyee First Nation band office.

The RCMP believes Oaklynn was probably moving around during the time she was missing.

She was described by her family as non-verbal. Though, they said, she makes noises to communicate. Her family also said she likes to crawl into small spaces. She was on her own for three days.

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“Everyone searching remained dedicated to bringing her home safely,” said Burns Lake RCMP detachment commander, Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith, adding his thanks to all the volunteers working “day and night.”

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A post to the Chinook Emergency Response Society Facebook group announced that the girl was “safe in her mother’s arms”, reported Castanet.net.

The RCMP put out a call for help on Friday night. Oaklynn had been last seen outside her house in Southbank, about 25 kilometres south of Burns Lake, reported the Vancouver Sun.

That turned into a massive search.

The RCMP said “significant resources” from across the province were involved in the search, including members of the RCMP, Search and Rescue, the BC Wildfire Service, and volunteers. Search crews used helicopters, drones and police dogs.

The Skin Tyee Band helped in coordinating volunteers and providing them with food and shelter.

The multi-day search for Schweder drew province-wide attention and beyond. Its positive conclusion Sunday evening was caught on video, reported Kelowna Now.

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It shows Oaklynn’s mother, Gail Skin, and others rushing into the forested area as Schweder is found.

A little while later, Skin emerges from the woods with her daughter in her arms, and Oaklynn’s father, James, close behind.  A round of cheers goes up. Then there is applause and hugs from dozens of searchers.

Back at home, Skin posted shared her gratitude on Facebook: “I’m sitting looking at my baby girl, watching her sleep, and I am just so grateful she’s here beside me. Thank you again to everyone who helped in any way for helping (to bring) my girl back home.”

She also shared that considering her ordeal, Oaklynn “will be having the biggest birthday party.” She turns seven on Monday, Sept. 30.

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