EARLY LIFE:
Misty Potts was born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1977 and grew up on the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, about 70km away. Her family – including brothers Zachary and Percy Jr. and sister Eva – were raised very traditional, with their father being a hunter and their mother a gatherer. Their father, in particular, made sure the girl’s knew their worth.
According to Eva, Misty was funny, kind, smart and selfless, with a compassionate heart. She loved her community and was committed to sharing and preserving her culture.
After graduating from Onoway High School, Misty left home to attend the University of Manitoba. She received her Bachelor of Arts in 2002, and eight years later earned her Master’s in Environmental Studies. Her thesis discussed the implications of the oil and gas industry on Canada’s Indigenous population.
Around this time, Misty helped with the documentary film wanorazi yumneze (Awakening Spirit), which looked at how industrialization impacts First Nations communities. This was followed by a teaching stint at Yellowed Tribal College in Edmonton and work on a number of other environmental-related projects.
Misty’s life was going well, with her giving birth to a son named Gabriel and moving back to Manitoba. She’d also planned to pursue her PhD part-time at Athabasca University, in Alberta. Unfortunately, in 2011, Zachary died by suicide, an event that was followed by Misty and her husband separating. The latter got custody of their son.
All this led Misty to begin using marijuana, which itself turned into prescription drug and methamphetamine use. Knowing she needed to separate herself from the situation, she moved back home to Alberta, and with the support of her mother and Eva began seeking help for her substance abuse issues.
Despite this, her sister believes she was spending time with other drug users.
DISAPPEARANCE:
The last time anyone from Misty’s immediate family spoke to or saw her was on February 24, 2015. Along with talking to Eva, she called Gabriel and visited the convenience store with her mother, with whom she was staying. While at the store, she ran into some friends.
Misty was last active on Facebook on March 7, 2015, when she sent a message to her niece. Approximately one week later, on either the 13th, 14th or 16th of March (sources vary), the 37-year-old was last seen standing along the side of the road, at the intersection of highways 43 and 765. The location was only a short distance from her mother’s house.
After two weeks of no contact, her family officially reported Misty missing to the RCMP on March 30, 2015. While she would disappear for a week or two at a time, it was uncommon for them to not receive a phone call or message on social media.
INVESTIGATION:
The Mayerthorpe detachment of the RCMP is currently handling the case. Eva was quick to criticize investigators, claiming they didn’t take the case seriously during the first two weeks, due to Misty’s history with illicit substances.
To get the case in the public eye, Eva launched her own ground searches, conducted media interviews and organized round dances within the community. The family have also looked into tips on their own, traveling as far as Edmonton. Eva’s since said that she believes her sister is dead and that Misty’s disappearance is likely related to her drug use.
The RCMP has conducted ground searches in the area where Misty was last seen, and investigators have reached out to detachments in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, as the missing woman has ties to all three provinces.
DETAILS:
Misty Faith Potts disappeared from the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation in Alberta in mid-March 2015. She was 37 years old at the time, and was last seen at the intersection of highways 43 and 765, with the assumption being that she’d walk the short distance home.
Misty is described as having a medium build, standing at 5’6″ to 5’7″ tall and weighing between 120-130 pounds. The RCMP states she weighed upwards of 170. She had dark brown eyes; black, shoulder-length hair; and a freckled face. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a red jacket, coral-coloured jeans and thick, black-rimmed prescription glasses.
According to the RCMP, Misty may have travelled to Edmonton or British Columbia’s lower mainland. She also has ties to Manitoba.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Anyone with information regarding Misty Potts’ case is asked to contact the Mayerthorpe detachment of the RCMP at either (780) 786-2800 or (780) 786-2291. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222-8477.
Image Credit: RCMP
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