Neskonlith Band Councilor went Missing on camping trip

[admin]

On June 29th, 2011 the family announced that Neskie Manuel's body was found.

- - -
Neskie Manuel, a Neskonlith councilor disappeared while on a weekend camping trip and a massive effort is underway to locate him. . .

A community Search and Rescue meeting was held Mon. May 9th, 2011 at 8:00 pm at the Neskonlith Band Hall which was organized by Shawn Billy. The search is being formalized for Neskie Manuel

the Kamloops Search and Rescue will be in charge for the continued ground and aerial searches.

Update and contact as follows:

NO ALCOHOL or DRUGS PLEASE!

Search Volunteers bring RED T-Shirt or RED Arm Bands to be visible while searching in the mountain and lake areas. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants preferably light nylon, dress in layers may get hot in the afternoon and use good hiking/walking shoes. Also bring a hat/sunscreen.

1) Next Search/Rescue meeting Tues. morning May 10th at 7:00 am at Neskonlith Band Hall 5 KM west of Chase.

a. Everyone to meet at Neskonlith Band Hall 7:00 am.

b. Search Volunteers will be transported to "Muster Site" on IR#1. Parking at Coral area. Search to be conducted all day.

NOTE: Evening Search and Rescue meeting for daily update Tues. May 10th, 2011 at 8:00 pm at Neskonlith Band Hall.

2) On site search equipment requirements:
- ATVs
- Digital Cameras
- Cell phones
- Horses
- Boat
- GPS
- Radios

3) Contacts:
a. Brad Russell Lead Command for Kamloops Search and Rescue Office: 250 319 7583

b. Shawn Billy (Cousin) for Family Contact (Search Efforts). Cell: 250 572 2924

c. Sergeant Troy Beaugart for Chase RCMP Office: 250 679 3221. And Constable Mark Richardson Office: 679 3221 Ext. 327

d. Michelle Jones Contact for Family (RCMP). Cell: 250 573 2780

e. ALIB Fire Dept. Contact Fire Chief Cathy Arnouse 250 314 4810.

f. Martha Manuel (Aunt)contact for family for equipment inventory; ATV, Quads, boats, horses. Cell: 250 318 2046.

g. Family Spokespersons:
‧ Bev Manuel (mother)
Home: 250 679 2821.

‧ Art Manuel (father) Cell: 250 319 0688.

Other Family Contacts:
‧ Skahiish Manuel (Brother) Cell: 250 863 7461.
‧ Teddy Dick (Cousin) Cell: 250 852 0568.

4) Food Coordinator: Hailey Denise. Contact for food donations. Cell: 250 851 1729.

5) Donations Contact Neskonlith Indian Band: Phone 250 679 3295/Fax 250 679 5306 or Chief Wilson Cell: 250 320 7738.
Front Desk Receptionist: daniellemorin@neskonlithband.com

Kukwstsetsemc for ALL those who are helping with the search efforts and sending their prayers and making donations for the safe return of Neskie Manuel. Anyone with any information please contact the family and/or above contacts as soon as possible.

SOURCE: Chief Judy Wilson
Neskonlith Indian Band

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

May 11, 2011

Helicopters, ATVs and horses are being used in the search for a missing Neskonlith Indian Band councilor.

Neskie Manuel went missing last weekend in the Mountainous terrain near Neskonlith Lake, and now dozens of people (volunteers and trained professionals) are involved in a formal search operation.

Chief Judy Wilson reported that the Vernon Search and Rescue is expected to join the Shuswap and Kamloops search operations today.

"The organizers are working for a continued coordinated efforts rather than people going off on their own, they emphasized the need to utilize resources, energy, equipment as efficiently as possible."

The Neskonlith Creek/Dam area will be double checked today.

Notice has been placed on National RCMP database and anyone with any tips or leads please contact their local RCMP and/or Chase RCMP at 1 250 679 3221.

The RCMP, family, and friends of Neskonlith Band member, 30-year-old Neskie Arrow Manuel, are actively searching for him and asking for public assistance.

In the early morning hours of May 8, 2011, Neskie Manuel walked away from a family camping trip at a campsite in the west end of Neskonlith Lake near Chase, BC. He left behind his personal belongings including his cell phone and has not been seen or heard from since.

Family and friends searched the camp area before contacting Chase RCMP Detachment in the evening of Neski’s disappearance. On May 9th, Chase RCMP supported by Kamloops Air Services conducted an air search, while Kamloops Ground Search and Rescue commenced their efforts with help from over 100 community volunteers.

Neskie is described as:
- Native male
- 6'0" tall
- 180 pounds
- Brown eyes
- Short black hair

At the time of his disappearance, Neskie was wearing glasses, blue jeans, grey sweater, and dark Nike running shoes which may have an orange Nike “swoosh” on the sides. Attached is a photo taken of Neskie that weekend, with the clothes he was last seen wearing.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Neskie Manuel is asked to call the Chase RCMP at 250-679-3221 or their local police department.

Released by:

Sgt. Troy Beauregard
Non Commissioned Officer in Charge
Chase RCMP
250-679-3221
Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

NESKIE MANUEL – NESKONLITH BAND COUNCILLOR MISSING

REMAINS MISSING FOR A FOURTH DAY

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS CONTINUE TO COMB THROUGH THE AREA
AROUND NESKONLITH LAKE

(Neskonlith Indian Reserve May 11th, 2011)

The search continues for Neskie Manuel, a 30 year old Neskonlith Indian Band Councillor who went missing Sunday May 8th, 2011 from family camping grounds near Neskonlith Lake by Chase BC.

Search and rescue teams from Kamloops, Shuswap and Vernon are working with community volunteers to comb the rugged mountain terrain, the lakes and the Thompson River. Aerial coverage has also been conducted without any sign of the young man. Neskie has recently suffered a traumatic experience and has also been disoriented he has never left without notifying family members.

The family is very grateful for the volunteers, donations and assistance everyone is providing at this time. Yesterday over 60 people came out to search the Neskonlith Lake areas. Neskie Manuel is a Native male, 6’0 approximately, 180-190 lbs, he wears glasses but may not have them, and was wearing a grey sweater, dark jeans and orange ¾ top Nike running shoes with an orange swoosh logo. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the local RCMP detachment.

The family is very concerned no solid leads have been reported, and plead for people to come forward with new information about Neskie Manuel or if they have seen a person matching the description.

Neskie is a very active community member for Neskonlith Indian Band and is a cycling enthusiast who cycled across Canada in 2007 on a single speed bike. He attended TRU and majored in physics and minored in mathematics. Neskie joined the United States Navy in 1998 and was deployed as a Aviation Machinist Mate at various locations in south East Asia until September of 2001. He is a board member on the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society, National Mining Watch, First Nations Technology Council (alternate for Chief Wilson) and is a strong advocate Secwepemcts<n language. Neskie is currently the station manager and programmer for Secwepemc Radio 91.1 the local radio that has been serving the Lakes Division of the Secwepemc Nation for the past four years. He has a global network of friends and colleagues across Canada and worldwide. The family is very anxious for him to return home safely and is seeking the public’s assistance in getting the word out about Neskie and receiving any information about his whereabouts.

The Neskonlith Band Council and band administration is working collaboratively with the Manuel family to provide assistance to locate Neskie. The Shuswap Search and Rescue, Rob Udi is coordinating the ground, aerial and waterways for the area and is working directly with the local Chase RCMP Detachment.

Contact any: Local RCMP Detachment if you have any information or sightings. And for family support, donations email the Neskonlith band at daniellemorin@neskonlithband.com or call the band office at 250-679-3295. The main communications centre/community gathering is at the Neskonlith band Hall.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Arthur Manuel, Father: cell: 250-319 0688
Beverly Manuel, Mother: 250-679-2823
Chief Judy Wilson: 250-320-7738

[admin]

His name is Neskie Manuel

He is a Native male, 6’0, approx. 180-190 lbs

He wears glasses but may not have them.

This is the
most recent pic taken the day he went missing.

He was
last seen wearing this grey sweater, dark jeans and
orange ¾ Nike high tops with an orange swoosh.

And was last seen Sunday May 8th at 1am in Chase at
our family camping ground on Neskonlith Reserve.

If you have seen him or know his whereabouts
please contact:
Beverly Manuel (250) 679-2821
AND your local RCMP detachment.

Search Continues for Neskie Manuel
Urgent Plea for Public Assistance

(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, BC – May 12, 2011)

Today is the fifth day for the ongoing
search continues for Neskie Manuel, a 30 year old Neskonlith Indian Band Councillor who went
missing May 8th, 2011 from a family camp on the shores of Neskonlith Lake by Chase BC.

Neskie Manuel is the eldest grandson of Grand Chief George Manuel, who was an instrumental
force of Indigenous politics and President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
(UBCIC) from 1979-1981, and son of Arthur Manuel, who was an active member of the UBCIC
Chiefs Council and is currently a coordinator of the United Nations North American Indigenous
Peoples Caucus.

Understandably, the level of anxiety within the family continues to deepen with each passing
hour. The family is very anxious for Neskie to return home safely and pleads for members of
the general public to come forward with new information about Neskie or if they have seen a
person matching his description as detailed in the attached missing persons poster.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs continues to work with the Neskonlith Band Council and
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council to support the Manuel family in their search for Neskie.

Contact any local RCMP Detachment if you have any information or sightings. And for family
support, donations email the Neskonlith band at daniellemorin@neskonlithband.com or call the
band office at 250-679-3295. The main communications centre/community gathering is at the
Neskonlith band Hall.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Beverly Manuel, Mother: (250) 679-2823
Arthur Manuel, Father: (250) 319-0688
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs: (250) 490-5314

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

May 15th 2011
Update Day 7 Search for Neskie Manuel
- 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 urgency 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 and 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 looking 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 there 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 had spent the day searching 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 hopeful 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

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

May 16, 2011 - Today is the eighth day for the ongoing search for Neskie Manuel, a 30 year old Neskonlith Indian Band Councillor who went missing May 8th, 2011 from a family camp on the shores of Neskonlith Lake by Chase BC.

Search and Rescue teams and their resources have been formally withdrawn from the search area.

The search has transitioned from search and rescue to a search organized by Neskonlith Indian Band, the family and the people assisted by First Nations Emergency Services (FNESS), Marc D'Aquino.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs joins the Neskonlith Band Council and Shuswap Nation Tribal Council call for volunteers, horses (with riders), equipment and donations to support the Manuel family in their search for Neskie.

There is an urgent need for cash donations - no donation is too small.

A Toronto-Dominion bank account has been set up: 004 (institution number) - 9151 (branch number) - 6342665 (bank account number) Nicole Schabus (specific account for search for Neskie Manuel) – Donations can also be emailed via Interac to: schabus@telus.net; cell: 604-785 5806.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Radios for special frequency, 2 way radios (shorter distance), Search ribbon and permanent markers, Safety vests (with pockets): orange colour – 100, Tents for shade, Food, Horses (with riders and food), Quads, Money for Gas.

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Update on the Search for Neskie Manuel - Need Volunteers this Long Weekend
May 20, 2011

Neskie Manuel’s family has sustained an organized search for Neskie, with the support of many volunteer searchers, including the Skeetchestn Fire Department.

(Neskie Manuel went missing May 8th while on a family camping trip in the Mountainous terrain near Neskonlith Lake)

Extensive searches of the North side of Neskonlith Lake have been conducted by horse and foot and missing posters have been posted all over the provincial park in the lead-up to the long weekend. We are calling on the public to passing on any information or clues to the RCMP.

The family is committed to keeping the search going over the long weekend and is calling on volunteers to come to the Incident Command Centre at the old rodeo grounds on the Adams Lake Indian Reserve by Chase starting at 8 a.m.. There will also be a community update on location on Saturday, May 21, 2011 starting at 5 p.m..

Donations are greatly appreciated to sustain the ongoing search effort. The family also wants to thank everyone for their prayers and ongoing support as we all keep working hard on finding Neskie Manuel.

We have set up a special bank account with the Toronto Dominion bank (TD) 004 (institution number) - 9151 (branch number) - 6342665 (bank account number) Nicole Schabus (specific account for search for Neskie Manuel) - Money can also be emailed to: schabus@telus.net; cell: 604-785 5806

CONTACT for the SEARCH effort and Media:
Chief Judy Wilson: 250-320-7738;
Arthur Manuel: 250-319 0688 (Neskie's Father)

[admin]

Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Search for Neskie Manuel Expands Across North America: Reward Offered

May 24, 2011

After 15 days, an intensive search of the area around Neskonlith Lake has yet to reveal a clue as to the whereabouts of missing Neskonlith Band Councillor Neskie Manuel.

“We’re 80% certain that Neskie is not in the area that has been searched,” said Chief Judy Wilson (Neskonlith). “Searches by Secwepemc and local people with extensive knowledge of the surrounding areas will continue. This week the RCMP will do a detailed search of Neskonlith Lake using side scan sonar,” she added.

Given that Neskie has traveled extensively, the Manuel family has decided is to expand the search across North America.

“Neskie might be lost outside of the search area. We’re anxious to find him and ensure that he’s well,” said his father Arthur Manuel. “We’re calling for people to help keep Neskie in the public eye. Please post the official RCMP poster everywhere; on the internet, along highways, in parks, at community centres and in car windows,” he added.

“Tips to the local RCMP or local police are the key to locating him,” said Mr. Manuel. “Our family is offering a $1,000.00 reward for finding Neskie,” he added.

The Manuel family extends their heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped, and continue to help, in the search for Neskie Manuel.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Arthur Manuel (father): 250-319-0688
Chief (Kukpi7) Judy Wilson: 250-320-7738
- - -

FAMILY MESSAGE:
EXTENDED SEARCH FOR NESKIE MANUEL ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

INTENSIVE SEARCH TO DATE

(Neskonlith, May 23, 2011) We, as Neskie Manuel’s family, would like to first of all take this opportunity to thank all the searchers who were part of the extensive search of the area around Neskonlith Lake for the past 15 days. Neskonlith Indian Band Councillor Neskie Manuel (Secwepemc/Ktunaxa/French), 30 years old, went missing on May 8, 2011 from the annual Mother’s Day Gathering at the west end of Neskonlith Lake by
Neskonlith Creek, near Chase (British Columbia) and has not been seen since.

A search was immediately initiated. A coordinated systematic grid search of the area was conducted over the first week by official search and rescue teams, starting off with Kamloops Search and Rescue, and then lead by Shuswap Search and Rescue along with teams from Vernon and Logan Lake. Over the following week the systematic grid search was carried on by our family, supported by First Nations Emergency Services (FNESS) and Cathy Arnouse, Adams Lake Indian Band (ALIB) Fire Chief, and the Neskonlith Indian Band (NIB). The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC), the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), also pledged their support.

In the last 15 days an extensive quadrant search of the entire area surrounding Neskonlith Lake has been conducted, including Neskonlith Creek, the cliffs, the meadows, Neskonlith Provincial Park and the creeks to the Northeast of Neskonlith Lake

The search teams and the family are over 80% certain that Neskie is not in the area that has been searched extensively, although it is still possible that he may have been
overlooked. The RCMP has committed to conducting a detailed search of Neskonlith Lake this week using side scan sonar. Also surrounding areas have been extensively searched by Secwepemc and local people with extensive knowledge of the area, including by horse and ATV. However there are surrounding areas that have not been covered and a strategic search of these areas will continue.

Neskie Manuel has never left the area before without letting his family know and his friends across the United States and Canada have not heard from him.

Elders from the Secwepemc Nation and spiritual leaders from across North America have encouraged the family and the community to keep praying and keep looking for Neskie Manuel. We deeply appreciate this unprecedented effort with the community, the nation, with indigenous peoples, supporters and search and rescue teams coming together in the search for Neskie Manuel. Hundreds of volunteers have covered many square kilometers in an extensive search.

This ongoing support is needed now more than ever as we move to a more
extensive search for Neskie Manuel.

EXTENDING SEARCH TO NORTH AMERICA
As a result of the detailed search of the local area, we as Neskie Manuel’s family have decided to extend the search to all of North America. Neskie Manuel has traveled extensively, including biking across Canada.

Given that Neskie was showing signs of disorientation lately, he might be lost outside of the search area and his family is anxious to find him and ensure that he is well.

We are calling for the enclosed official RCMP poster
http://bc.rcmp.ca/ViewPage.action?siteN ... ntId=19533
to be extensively circulated, not just via internet, but to also have it posted along highways, in parks, at community centres and in car windows. Tips should be passed on to a local RCMP or police detachment, since they are key to leading this search to a successful conclusion.

NESKIE MANUEL’S FAMILY IS OFFERING A REWARD OF $1,000 CND FOR FINDING NESKIE.

SUPPORT APPRECIATED AND NEEDED
The search for Neskie Manuel will continue to be raised at the national and international level. National Chief Shawn Atleo attended a briefing in the community during the first week of the search and pledged national support which will be required in this extended search for Neskie. UBCIC President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip joined the search over the first weekend and assisted in securing a proper transition of the search effort. SNTC Tribal Chair Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, and Kukpi7 Judy Wilson (NIB) have stood by our side throughout. We call for their ongoing support and on all peoples, communities and organizations in North America to spread the word that we are looking for clues and information about the whereabouts of Neskie Manuel.

Through this tragic experience the family, the community and supporting organizations have realized the gap that exists when it comes to dealing with missing persons in indigenous communities and in coordinating a search and rescue operation that includes indigenous knowledge of the area. In the absence of such a structure, the burden falls on the family of the missing person to keep an organized search going. We call on the ongoing support of all people, organizations and the media to keep Neskie Manuel’s picture, and missing poster in the public eye, so Neskie can be found.

The family will also set up a virtual office and website to keep circulating information about the extended search. Neskie’s Missing Person posters will be available at a central location on Neskonlith Indian reserve for distribution across Canada, along with equipment and supplies for an ongoing search of the local area.

Secwepemc Radio which was set up by Neskie Manuel, along with other alternative media, will also keep carrying the message about his disappearance and call for any tips to be passed on to the police.

HEARTFELT THANK YOUS:
Neskie Manuel’s family would like to thank all those who have come out to support the search for Neskie and those who have sent their support and prayers. We want to specifically thank all the volunteer searchers, including: Shuswap, Kamloops, Vernon and Logan Lake Search and Rescue; FNESS; Cathy Arnouse, Emergency Preparedness Planner Casey Larochelle, John Anderson and Martha Manuel who coordinated the search on behalf of the family; and the many searchers who came from far and wide. We also want to thank all the indigenous organizations that continue to support the search: NIB and ALIB; other Secwepemc bands, including Skeetchestn who sent their fire fighters; SNTC, the UBCIC, AFN, and many others.

The family deeply appreciates the financial contributions to the search, by the above mentioned organizations; the First Nations Summit; other Indian bands; the Seventh Generation Fund; the law firm Nahwegahbow-Corbiere; Community Futures Kamloops which enabled the extensive search over the weekend; Canadians for Reconciliation; Mining Watch, and other organizations that Neskie worked with; and many businesses,
organizations, family, friends and individuals who deeply care for Neskie and his family.

We want to thank the media that has been reporting on Neskie’s disappearance, including local and provincial media and the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network (APTN) and ask them to keep calling for clues regarding the disappearance of Neskie to be passed on to the police. We also want to thank the cooks and the elders in the community that provided for everyone; and the spiritual people and all those who continue to send their prayers for Neskie’s safe return home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR MEDIA PLEASE CONTACT:
Arthur Manuel (father): 250-319-0688

[admin]

UPDATE: Search for Neskie Manuel - Family Set Up Tip Hotline
June 20, 2011 - Request to Circulate Missing Person Poster

The search for Neskonlith Indian Band Councillor Neskie Manuel continues. In recent weeks, we conducted a side-scan sonar search of Neskonlith Lake led by US experts Gene and Sandy Ralston. We have been able to eliminate high-probability areas of Neskonlith Lake with good probability.

As a result Neskie Manuel's famly is renewing the call to CIRCULATE AND POST NESKIE MANUEL'S OFFICIAL MISSING PERSON POSTER as BROADLY as possible. The family has set up a TIP-HOTLINE: 1-855-NES-TIPS (1-855-637-8477) and is asking that any relevant information be paased on to the family and the police. The family is also offering a REWARD of $ 1,000 (CND) for FINDING NESKIE.

Please PRINT OUT the enclosed POSTER
PDF POSTER: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/Neskie ... ipLine.pdf
and PUT IT UP - and CIRCULATE it at EVENTS, such as upcoming Aboriginal Day Events. Neskie's Family will have a booth with posters and information about the search for Neskie at the Aboriginal Day event at T'kemlups Indian Band on Tuesday.

We have also set up a facebook group that can be found by searching for search for Neskie Manuel on facebook or going to: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home ... 0139661676

For those of you who have physically put up posters please enter it on the map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8& ... 72&t=h&z=4.

We are also working on setting having large missing person posters for Neskie put up on billboards (on Indian reserves). Any contributions to the ongoing search for Neskie are deeply appreciated and can be deposited into a special bank account with the Toronto Dominion bank (TD) 004 (institution number) - 9151 (branch number) - 6342665 (bank account number) Nicole Schabus (specific account for search for Neskie Manuel) - Money can also be emailed to: schabus@telus.net; cell: 604-785 5806

Thank you for your ongoing support to the search for Neskie Manuel and for keeping passing on the message that we are looking for Neskie and miss and love him.

Nicole
on behalf of the Family Committee to Bring Neskie Manuel Home

[admin]

June 29, 2011
- Message from Arthur Manuel -
"Dear Family and Friends: It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Neskie Manuel has been found. Neskie's body was found on the shores of the South Thompson River downstream from Neskonlith Reserve in Secwepemc territory, he passed away from unknown causes.

We have lost our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, family and community member.

The family would like to thank all the people who helped search for Neskie or contributed to the search. It is heartwarming to see and know how many people deeply care about Neskie and his family. Your ongoing support for the 53 day search will never be forgotten. This will continue to give us strength in this difficult time.

As unfortunate as it maybe our family is pleased to be making funeral arrangements for our once missing family member. This announcements will be made shortly.

It is strange that the confirmation of his identity, given today, June 29 is also his birthday."

Neskie Manuel, a Neskonlith Band councilor went missing in early May during a camping trip near Neskonlith Lake.
- - -

Recovered body from South Thompson River identified as missing Neskonlith man

2011-06-29 23:47 PDT

The Chase RCMP and BC Coroners Service have confirmed the identity of the recovered body last Saturday as that of missing person Neskie Manuel.

On Saturday June 25th, 2011 a body was discovered on the banks of the South Thompson River near Pritchard by a local rancher. The Chase RCMP recovered the body and in conjunction with the BC Coroner’s Service were able to positively identify the individual as Neskie Manuel.

Neskie Manuel had gone missing following a family camping trip at Neskonlith Lake on May 8th, 2011. An intensive search effort followed the report of Neskie’s disappearance by the Shuswap, Kamloops and Vernon Search and Rescue groups. The search efforts were bolstered by the community along with friends and family.

An autopsy has been completed and there were no signs of foul play.

The Chase RCMP offers their condolences to the Manuel family.

Posted on behalf of:
T.A. (Troy) Beauregard, Sergeant
Non Commissioned Officer in Charge
Chase RCMP

Released by

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk
Senior Media Relations Officer
South East and North District
1168 Main Street, Penticton B.C. V2A-5E8
Office: (250) 492-4300
Cell: (250) 863-7433
Fax: (250) 492-4851
Email: dan.moskaluk@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

[admin]

OBITUARY NESKIE MANUEL
Funeral to be held on July 2, 11:00 AM

Neskie Arrow Manuel went missing May 8, and it was with deep sadness that his body was found June 25 on the shore of the South Thompson River. Survived by his immediate family: father Arthur and mother Beverly , his sisters Rita, Kanahus, Nicole, Anita Rose and his brother Ska-Hiish, and his very large extended family.

The Wake for Neskie will start at 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2011 at the family residence next to the Ska-Hiish Esso, Trans Canada Hwy #1, Neskonlith.

Funeral Service will be at the Adams Lake (Chase) Reserve in the Gymnasium on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Neskonlith First Nation Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250 – 374 – 1454.