Helen Louise Leyden disappeared from Edmonton sometime between 1968 and 1972. She was about 36 when last in contact with family, a mother of four and a member of the Mikisew Cree Nation. She also used the surnames Ratfat and Fortin. Described as having black hair, brown eyes, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and roughly 130 pounds, Helen’s last confirmed location is Edmonton; an unconfirmed possibility of travel to Vancouver, British Columbia, has been part of the story.

Her absence went undocumented for years and her children were raised by their non-native father, separated from their maternal family and Indigenous heritage. A serious search began when one daughter, Sequin, pursued answers as an adult. In October 2014 the Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP in Vancouver reopened the matter, family DNA was entered into national databases, and searches were conducted across Canada. No confirmed sightings or evidence explain what happened, and it remains unknown whether she left voluntarily or was the victim of foul play.

If anyone knew Helen, her movements in Alberta or British Columbia in the late 1960s and early 1970s, or has information that could help, please come forward.