Fort McPherson (Oct 02/06) - Volunteers, relatives, RCMP and a police dog and handler from Yellowknife are scouring Fort McPherson and surrounding area, looking for elder William Teya.

Teya, who is 73, was last seen in the community on Sept. 21.

William Teya, 73, has been missing from Fort McPherson since Sept. 21. - photo courtesy of the Teya family

RCMP Sgt. Merle Carpenter said he is a popular figure in the community, and approximately 20 volunteers have been helping with the search every day.

He said the case is rather frustrating, because no clues have been found.

"Nobody just disappears in a small town like this. That's why we're so confused," he said.

While the case is still considered a "missing person," Carpenter said, RCMP are dragging the bottom of local rivers in case Teya drowned.

A German Shepherd dog and his handler, both from Yellowknife, have arrived in Fort McPherson to assist with the search, especially in the area of 8-mile camp and the surrounding cabins.

Roberta Alexie, a receptionist at the Fort McPherson Gwich'in Band Office, said she remembered Teya as a nice man.

"He's an old elder, and he came by the band office to say 'hi' all the time," she said.

Carpenter said it's unknown what he was last doing before he disappeared.

Sarah Jerome, Teya's sister-in law, said he was known for his skills as a hunter and trapper who earned a living in a traditional way.

"He lived off the land, he was entirely self-sufficient," she said.

Teya's wife, Mary, declined an interview with News/North, saying it was very difficult to speak about Teya, because she was very worried and upset.

Teya is the grandson of Chief Julius Salu, who was the chief of the Fort McPherson Tetlit Gwich'in from 1900 to 1948.