dakota_smith_in_old-growth_forest_photo_by_louis_bockner_0.jpg

LETTERS FOR DAKOTA

Please use this text to call for support for the search for Dakota. Emails can be sent to:

Dear Prime Minister / Dr. Kindy —

I am writing to express my deep concern and to call for immediate federal and provincial action to support the continued search for James “Dakota” Smith, a 34-year-old father, son, and member of the Ma’amtagila Nation who went missing on November 6, 2026, while undertaking a traditional cultural practice near the Adam River on northern Vancouver Island.

Dakota’s family, Nation, and community have continued searching under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. Despite their extraordinary efforts, they cannot be expected to carry the responsibility of this search without adequate government resources and specialized support.

The reported reduction of official search-and-rescue operations is deeply concerning. We respectfully urge federal and provincial authorities to immediately reassess this decision and ensure that every reasonable opportunity to locate Dakota is thoroughly explored.

I am calling for the following immediate actions:

1. Urgent reassessment and renewed search operations: Request that the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria and the Canadian Coast Guard review the decision to reduce search efforts and consider renewed air and marine operations.

2. Specialized search resources: Make available appropriate aircraft, marine vessels, thermal imaging drones, sonar equipment, and trained search personnel to assist with the search.

3. Federal and provincial coordination: Work together to identify additional resources, including military or Canadian Ranger support where operationally appropriate and authorized.

4. Direct engagement with the family and Ma’amtagila Nation: Establish a coordinated response that respects Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and the family’s right to timely information.

5. Immediate accountability: Identify a designated government contact and provide the family with clear information about the search decisions, available resources, and next steps.

Dakota is not simply a missing-person case. He is a deeply loved human being whose life matters to his family, his Nation, and the wider community. His family deserves to know that every reasonable effort is being made to bring him home.

I urge your offices to treat this matter with the urgency, compassion, and leadership it deserves. Please confirm what immediate steps your offices are taking to support the family and the Ma’amtagila Nation.

Every moment matters. The search for Dakota deserves continued attention, coordination, and action.

Sincerely and with a heavy heart,

________________