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Image Courtesy RCMP
Missing for a decade

RCMP renew efforts to find woman last seen on Siksika First Nation 10 years ago

Aug 30, 2021 | 7:32 AM

RCMP have released an aged composite sketch showing the current likeness of a woman last seen 10 years ago on Siksika First Nation in southern Alberta.

It’s part of a renewed effort to find Desiree Oldwoman, who was 21 when she disappeared a decade ago.

Desiree is autistic and non-verbal. It is believed she left her residence sometime during the night and wandered off. Due to proximity of her residence to Highway 901, she may have been walking on the highway that night or in the early morning of Aug. 28, 2011.

At the time of her disappearance Desiree was last seen wearing a brown sweater and black track pants with a red stripe, and no shoes. She is Indigenous, 5-foot-4, 165 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. She did not wear glasses.

Desiree does not speak, but can write her name. Desiree is known to be drawn to fragrances such as perfume and air fresheners. She also has a love for plush animals.

Recently. with the assistance of the Alberta RCMP Missing Persons unit, an “aged composite” image of Desiree has been developed of what she may look like today. She would now be 31 years old.

The Gleichen RCMP is appealing to the public for any new information on Desiree’s disappearance that will further their investigation.

Desiree Oldwoman in 2011. (Image Courtesy RCMP)

“There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of Desiree and her return home,” says Desiree’s family. “She is special, beautiful, wonderfully curious, and we miss her dearly. Family and friends continue to pray that she will be found, and that justice will be achieved.

“We plea to the public that if you have any information about her disappearance, you must report it to the Gleichen RCMP immediately. We need your help to find her and bring her home. We must find her.”

“10 years is longer than any family should have to endure not knowing the fate of a loved one” says Sgt. Scott Mercer of the Gleichen RCMP. “We are encouraging anyone who may have information, no matter how insignificant it may seem to be, to contact the RCMP as it may be the key piece that will lead us to bring Desiree home.”

Gleichen RCMP are asking the public’s assistance for any information in relation to this incident or identifying those responsible. Please contact Gleichen RCMP at 403-734-3923 or your local police.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

–With files from The Canadian Press