This week a new search is being conducted to find clues and/or the whereabouts of Rita Papakee, a Meskwaki Nation Tribal Member who went missing in January 2015.
The Sahnish Scouts, a non-profit organization led by volunteer Lissa Yellowbird-Chase, arrived on Monday, May 13th and will spend a week and a half searching various places across the Settlement and Tama County. The Sahnish Scouts have assisted with search and recovery efforts for various missing persons across the Midwest and Northern Plains. They are now seeking local volunteers to help in the search.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the search is required to attend a mandatory training on Wednesday, May 15th at 9 am at the Meskwaki Tribal Center gym. Please also bring your own necessary hiking gear including boots, hats, rain cover, and repellent.
Other volunteers will be needed over the next week to assist with cooking dinner for searchers. Those inquiries can be directed to Oliviah Walker at 641-481-5031. For questions regarding the search, contact Yellowbird-Chase at 701-893-6841. Anyone with tips that may lead to finding Rita can contact the Meskwaki Nation Police Department at 641-484-4844.
