National Day of Action: Justice for Sam, Justice for All
TRIGGER WARNING – MMIWG2S+
If you require immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll-free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway), and Inuktitut.
Courtesy of Geri Potts, paternal Grandmother
On June 1, 2025, Samuel Bird, a Nakota Sioux/Cree teen from Paul First Nation, Alberta, went missing. Since that day, his family and the Justice for Sam team have been tirelessly searching, fueled by love and determination to find him. Samuel, known to his loved ones as Sam, Sammy, and Sam I Am, is known as kind, funny, and good-hearted, who brightened the lives of those around him.
While stories and speculation about who, what, when, why, and how continue to circulate online, Sam’s paternal family is asking for a shift in focus. It’s time to shift the narrative to what you can do and how you can support the mission; From questions to action, from talk to support. This is not just about raising awareness of Samuel Bird, it’s about ensuring that our continued search efforts can continue and that Sam’s paternal family is supported.
Sam’s disappearance is not an isolated story. In fact, in so-called Canada, Indigenous children and teens continue to be at a higher risk of going missing and not returning home. In 2024, Aboriginal Alert reported that Indigenous youth 17 and under accounted for 46% of all recorded alerts across the country. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent our children, our siblings, our relatives, and our future. This crisis reflects deep-rooted systemic issues that Indigenous families continue to face – often with limited to no support.
This is where you come in. As we navigate this devastating reality, we must remember that change happens when communities come together. Your support can help turn heartbreak into hope. Whether it’s by donating, sharing Sam’s story, or staying informed. Every action matters. Standing with Sam’s paternal family and Justice for Sam means standing against the larger crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
Today, on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, we honour the lives of those who have journeyed to the spirit world. We hold space for them, their families, and communities. This day of action calls us to act – to support families like Sam’s, recognize the ongoing crisis, and uplift the work being done on the ground every single day.
Courtesy of Justin P Bird, Sam’s Father
We invite you to be part of this effort. Every donation makes a difference, helping Sam’s family and ensuring that they have the resources they need to continue their efforts. All donations will go directly to the “Justice for Sam” Search and Recovery efforts and are managed by The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.
Donate directly here: https://www.treatysix.org/donate
To learn more about Sam’s story and how you can help, visit: www.justiceforsam.com
The paternal family of Samuel Bird appreciate your support and contributions to our cause.
October 4: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives
Every year on October 4, communities across Turtle Island gather to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) – including women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people, as well as boys and men whose stories are often left out of the national conversation.
October 4 is not just a day of mourning – it’s a call to action. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a loved one, a family, and a community left to carry the weight of loss and injustice. It’s also a time to recommit ourselves to supporting families like Sam’s and working toward a future where Indigenous people are safe, and protected.
Learn more and get involved:
→ https://www.sovereign-bodies.org/
Let’s continue to raise awareness and honour those who have not made it home and uplift the families, their communities, and let us carry their names forward.
