Dawn Walker, missing boy found safe in Oregon: Saskatoon police

A missing woman and seven-year-old boy have been found safe after being missing for two weeks.

Dawn Walker and the boy were last seen in Saskatoon in late July. According to the Saskatoon Police Service, the pair were found in Oregon City, Ore., and “both are reported to be safe and well.”

According to the police, the pair “illegally entered the United States,” and were tracked down with help from U.S. agencies.

“At this time, U.S. authorities are considering the implications and any potential action as a result of an illegal entry into the U.S.,” Saskatoon police said in a statement.

“Pending any action by U.S. authorities Dawn Walker will be returned to Saskatoon to meet with investigators.  U.S. agency representatives in consultation with the SPS are currently working out the details of returning (the boy) to a legal guardian.”

A media conference has been scheduled for Monday, as police said the “investigation will continue to unfold rapidly.”

Walker’s truck was found abandoned in a Chief Whitecap Park, where massive search efforts have been organized by multiple police agencies and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and a candlelight vigil was held for the pair.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), where Walker works, was involved in organizing search efforts and media events during the time Walker and the boy were considered missing. FSIN issued a statement Friday, saying the organization was “elated” to hear that the pair were found safely.

In the statement, Chief Richard Stonechild of Okanese First Nation said he and other band leaders had “become aware of significant child welfare concerns” about the boy, though the statement did not elaborate on the nature of the concerns or when they became aware of them.

FSIN Vice-Chief Heather Bear said there are many complex issues that surround the disappearances of First Nations women.

“It is a shame that our women feel helpless within the current justice system,” Bear said, quoted in the FSIN’s statement. “Despite being a successful writer and having a law degree, what is clear is that Dawn was no exception to this.”