A sign has popped up near Gleichen offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the discovery of Desiree Old Woman.
Desiree, an Indigenous woman was 21 years old when she was last seen in 2011 at her Siksika Nation home on the night of August 27. Her family reported her disappearance to the RCMP the following day. Desiree is autistic and non-verbal, which has her family concerned.
"One morning my mom, Desiree's guardian, was ready for breakfast. Someone had gone to grab Desiree, and she wasn't there," said Cherie Spotted Eagle, Desiree's aunt.
Desiree's family believes that she went missing near the M&R gas station on Highway 901. According to Spotted Eagle, Desiree's belongings were discovered near the Bow River by the RCMP a few days after she was last seen. Among the belongings were her sweater and her shoes.
The sign offering a reward for her discovery was placed near the gas station.
"We've been involved with the Alberta Family Information Liaison Unit, and they were instrumental in paying the majority of the costs for the sign. I've been involved with them for a number of years. They support the families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls," added Spotted Eagle.
Desiree's family is hoping that they will be able to find out what happened to her so that they can get closure. The lack of information on her disappearance has taken a toll on the family, according to Spotted Eagle.
"We want to know what happened. If someone was responsible, we want to have them convicted, if possible," added Spotted Eagle.
Although Desiree's family has been thankful for the support of groups helping in the search, Spotted Eagle said she was disappointed by the response of the RCMP. According to her, they were not told about Desiree's belongings being located until years after they were found.
"I don't want to get political or offend anybody, but that's just the way it is," said Spotted Eagle. "It was a very botched investigation. Why didn't they tell us when they first found it?"
StrathmoreNow reached out to the RCMP for information regarding Desiree's disappearance but did not receive a response by publication time.
Anyone with information about Desiree is being asked to contact the Gleichen RCMP by calling 403-734-3056.