ONION LAKE CREE NATION – The family of Serayne Kematch is organizing a Walk for Awareness on April 13 to honour his memory and call for justice. The public, along with all families affected by violence, is invited to join.
Kematch, 28, was reported missing on April 10, 2024, after he was last seen near the Centex gas station in Alcurve, in the R.M. of Britannia, close to the intersection of Highways 3 and 17. His body was discovered six months later, on Oct. 28, 2024, by ranchers in a pasture near Jumbo Hill, about 10 kilometres north of Alcurve.
Despite an intensive search effort by family and friends in the days following his disappearance, Kematch wasn’t found in the area where his remains were later located. His father, Marvin Meesto, believes his son’s body was moved there after death.
“The bush isn’t that thick, and there was no vegetation,” Meesto previously told Â鶹´«Ã½AV. “We trained ourselves to look for even the smallest piece of clothing—there’s no way we would have missed him.”
Suspicious vehicle, unanswered questions
During their search, Meesto learned of a suspicious vehicle with three males inside, spotted near the area with blood on their clothes. Surveillance footage from the gas station showed a car full of young men speeding into Alcurve shortly before Kematch vanished.
“They came roaring in, then spun out heading north,” said Meesto. “You could tell they were looking for someone.”
Approximately 40 to 45 minutes later, the same vehicle was caught on a farmer’s surveillance camera speeding down a gravel road before getting stuck in a ditch. Farmers who helped pull the car out reported the occupants appeared “rough” and had blood on themselves.
After the farmers pulled them out of the ditch, one boy was standing alone, crying, said Meesto. The farmer asked what was wrong, hugged him telling him he didn't have to cry anymore, they could go home.
Why was he crying? Meesto questioned. They had blood on them—was it from fighting each other, or was it from Serayne, said Meesto.
RCMP investigation raises concerns
Meesto provided RCMP with video evidence and witness statements, including the farmers’ accounts. The vehicle was later impounded, but Meesto says police gave him a different name for the driver than the one he provided.
RCMP told him the blood came from the males “fighting amongst themselves” but didn’t explain the emotional distress of the young man at the scene.
The family remains unconvinced by the RCMP’s conclusion that Kematch’s death was non-suspicious.
The Walk for Awareness begins at 10 a.m. on April 13 at Alcurve. A prayer and moment of silence will be held on top of Jumbo Hill. The group is scheduled to arrive at Red Tipi for water and rest at about 12:30 and then leaving at about 1 p.m. to the hall for a feast at 2 p.m. for family, friends and participants.
