Search for missing Natuashish teen scaled back

RCMP officials said Wednesday afternoon thatthe search for17-year-old Kirby Mistenapeo, missing for more than a week, is being scaled back.

Police said they made the decision afterconsultation with Mistenapeo's family, the Natuashish Band Chief and the Innu Nation.

An extensive air and ground search had been ongoing since Mistenapeo went missing on April 21.

NatuashishChief Greg Rich announced earlier on Wednesday thatsearchers have concluded that the teenageris nowhere in the community.

As the search entered Day 7, Rich said every building inNatuashishhadbeen checked, andthe hunt forMistenapeowill now focus on areas outside the town.

"It's been very exhausting and draining, forthe search and rescue and also the community members," saidRich.

The chief saidhe's been talking toMistenapeo'sfamily.

"They're very tired and they're very concerned, and veryI don't know how to describe it but very sadwanting Kirby to come home."

Rich saidMistenapeowas last seen outside ofNatuashish, in an area where gatherings are held, but they don't know what he was doing there.

Poor weather has complicated the search, with snowfall covering any tracksMistenapeomay have left.

The search on Wednesday had focusedon areas two-to-three kilometers away from the community.