Family pleads for information about Frank Gruben, missing from Fort Smith, N.W.T.
CBC
Frank Gruben has a smile that could light up any room.
The oldest of his siblings, Gruben — an Gwich'in Inuvialuit who was born and raised in Aklavik, N.W.T. — is described as someone who loved learning, teaching Gwich'in, and making people laugh with his silly gestures and behaviour.
Gruben is currently missing from Fort Smith, N.W.T. No one has seen him for the last 20 days.
"I just really wish and hope that someone would come forward if they have any information regarding what happened to my brother or the whereabouts or where we could find him," said Steven Gruben, Frank's brother.
Frank was in Fort Smith attending post-secondary school at the time of his disappearance. Steven said his brother left Aklavik last August. As far as the family knew, Frank was enjoying his time in the South Slave and spoke about making it his home.
"We thought he had really good friends and everything there, so we never really thought anything," Steven said.
Frank's mother was the last immediate family member to speak to Frank, Steven said. She last called him on May 3, the day before Frank turned 30.
"We have not heard from Frank," Steven said.
Frank is someone who was in touch with his family, Steven said.
Deeply involved with his culture and a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Steven said his brother loves his elders, had the most fun on the local radio station in Aklavik, and is an inspiration to his baby sister Kimberlyn.
"Frank was a kind-hearted, handsome young man. Always willing to help anyone who asked for help," Steven said.
In the 20 days that Frank has been missing, there have been land and water searches led by community members in Salt River First Nation, the Dene band government located in Fort Smith.
Frank's brother said there are no words when it comes to the support received from the community.
"I feel like that's just a given up here. It's what we do, is we take care of each other and we want to help each other in times of need — and I feel like that's what's happening right now," Steven said.
