On June 1, 2025, Samuel Bird, a Nakota Sioux/Cree boy from Paul First Nation, Alberta, went missing. Since that day, his family has been tirelessly searching, fueled by love and determination to bring him home. Samuel, known to his loved ones as Sam, Sammy, and Sam I Am, is known as kind, funny, and good-hearted, he liked to brightened the lives of those around him. He’s a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, and a loved member of his family and community.
“Let me start off by introducing myself. My name is Justin Peter Bird, from Paul First Nation of Treaty 6.
I am Samuel’s dad and raised him from 2016 to September 2024. Initially I did not want to be in the media but know that I love and miss my son. I cry alone and my heart breaks daily with the pain of memories of time with him.
Samuel and I used to hang out in the living room before he went to bed, snacking and watching movies or tv shows and now his spot sits empty. We used to play xbox together and now I can only read his messages to me, asking to play certain games. On car rides, certain songs break me down in tears because they remind me of my Sammy. Going anywhere in the city makes my heart hurt. I have so many memories of my son throughout the years. Samuel was a huge part of my life and there’s now a hole in my heart, that will never be filled, I can’t enjoy life anymore and until we find him we will never have closure.
Finding Sam has always been the focus, which is why I haven’t spoken publicly until now. My family and I will continue to look for Sam by foot, boat, by helicopter and any means available to us, and thank everyone who has contributed to this effort.
Please, anyone with any information; come forward. We need to find him and get Justice for Sam.”
Justice for Sam is a family-led campaign created to bring awareness to our cause. Every donation and act of solidarity helps us continue searching, cover critical costs, and keep Sam’s story alive. This movement is rooted in love and determination.