Family and police are searching for two girls, aged nine and 12, missing from the Quebec Cree community of Mistissini.
Cousins Talitha Shecapio Saganash, 12, and Sarah Shecapio, 9, were last seen Sunday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. at Mistissini’s beach, about 10 kilometres southwest of the community, where their family gathered for a birthday feast.
“Come home, Talitha,” pleaded Talitha’s mother Crystal Shecapio.
“We just want to know where you are. Tell us where you are. Grandma is worried, and Grandpa was driving all night looking for you.”
The two girls are known to enjoy the outdoors, walking, hiking and having picnics out in nature.
The Mistissini police department is searching for the girls around the beach and nearby cabins in the area. Helicopters will also be searching the area. The Mistissini police are also working with police in Oujé-Bougoumou, where the girls may have been seen Sunday.
The community of Mistissini, with its local fire and rescue departments, have organized a perimeter search by foot and vehicle with community volunteers in the area of the beach, toward Albanel and Chibougamau.
Talitha Shecapio Saganash was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and greyish/black pants, and her hair is dyed blonde that has began to fade. Sarah Shecapio was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, royal blue pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Mistissini police at 418-923-3278 or the Waswanipi police at 819-753-2553/2445.