University students organize in support of Samuel Bird’s family

Students at the University of Alberta organized a sign making event to bring awareness to Samuel Bird. Bird is a 14-year-old Indigenous boy who has been missing from Edmonton since June 1.

A student connected with members of Bird’s search team wanted to bring the U of A community into the search effort.

“One of the goals is to foster awareness and to bring students together on this issue,” a student, who requested to remain anonymous, said.

Students at the university have access to networks and resources that could amplify the issue. The student stressed that they have seen a lot of activism at the university, and they want people to be passionate about Bird. They think that sign making is an easy way to fill the gaps in awareness. The student feels that Edmonton has neglected missing Indigenous youth like Bird.

“We know that the system is not set up to care about them or to help them, so we really need to come together as a community and do that work,” the student said.

Events like this are meant to remind people that Samuel’s case is not isolated. Students at the event stressed the importance of showing up for Bird and his family. The student pointed out that many people hesitate to get involved because they think they lack the skills, experience, or resources to help.

“People get very overwhelmed … but the family wants to see people. They just want to see that people care,” the student said.

The student called on the university to support the ongoing search efforts at Dawson Park.

Community members, including firekeepers, are stationed there daily. They said that anyone can come by to help, share food, offer conversation, or just be present.

There is a rally at noon on September 6 at the Legislature building.

Bird has been missing since June 1. His family and supporters continue to search, stressing that community involvement remains essential in keeping his case visible.

The Edmonton Police Service deemed Bird’s case suspicious on August 22. Officials from the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations have requested the case be deemed a search and recovery. This would allow for access to more resources and personnel.