'Don't give up' in search for Inuvik, N.W.T., man, family pleads

CBC

02-04-2025

The family of an Inuvik, N.W.T., man who's not been seen for almost two months is still hopeful that he'll be found.
Lance Briere, 32, was last seen in Inuvik on Feb. 8. At the time, he was working at the Gwich'in Wellness Camp located south of Inuvik on the east branch of the Mackenzie River.
On Feb. 7, he left the camp with a black snowmobile belonging to the camp and was expected to return, but he never did.
The last reported sighting of Briere was at the Inuvik liquor store, the next day. At the time, he was wearing a bright green toque, reflective jacket, black ski pants and black boots. He was officially reported missing on Feb. 17.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Jesse Aubin said the ground search around the camp was extensive.
"The Inuvik Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) were engaged and completed an extensive trail search around the Wellness Camp," wrote Aubin in an email to CBC News.
Aubin said the search efforts also included visiting military personnel who were in the region for a training exercise.
"The Canadian Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) flew a spotter plane on March 8, 2025, north to south along the east branch from the Aklavik junction to Big Rock," wrote Aubin.
"CASARA flew again during the weekend of March 15 -16, 2025. We continue to use other investigative methods such as social media and bank monitoring."
Briere's mother Elaine is hopeful that her son will be found and back with his family soon.
"He was loved by so many people," she said. "There has to be at least one person who knows what happened to him. Please come forward, phone Crime Stoppers," she said.
A Facebook group called "Bring Lance Home" was recently started to collect information about the ongoing search.
Elaine hopes more people will come forward and help in the efforts to locate her son.
"Please just don't give up, don't stop searching. I just want to hold my son again. I want to hear his voice and look at his face," she said.