First Nations leaders issue call to action during search for Caitlin Potts

Another large-scale search is underway for 27-year-old north Okanagan resident Caitlin Potts, who hasn’t been heard from since Feb. 22.

READ MORE: Mother pleads for public’s help in finding her daughter

Aboriginal leaders from across B.C., including Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Grand Chief Doug Kelly and Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, are helping lead a search around Enderby.

Police say they believe Potts may be deceased and there is a possibility foul play is involved. The RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating.

Police say the last place Potts was seen was near the Shuswap River in Enderby.

Along with searching for Potts, today’s efforts are another push to bring missing and murdered aboriginal women into the spotlight.

“Despite a pending announcement on a Murdered and Missing Aboriginal Commission of Inquiry, too many of our Aboriginal women and girls are going missing,” stated a release sent out on behalf of Esk’etemc Chief Charlene Bellaeu.

“Our men, our leaders, are standing up for the Aboriginal women and we must stop this violence against women.”

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Searchers are going door-to-door to see if Enderby residents have any information. A ground search also is underway along the Shuswap River in Enderby.

-with files from Megan Turcato