MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Police west of Toronto are asking for the public's help locating a sacred headdress that was inside a First Nation chief's vehicle allegedly stolen in Mississauga, Ont.

Peel Regional Police say the headdress has significant sentimental value and is of historic importance to the Nipissing First Nation.

Police believe the headdress was stolen around 3 a.m. local time on Saturday from First Nation Chief Scott McLeod's green 2022 Jeep Wrangler.

The Nipissing First Nation says the Jeep was parked at the Sandman Signature Mississauga hotel while the chief was in town for the Little Native Hockey League Tournament.

The First Nation says the ceremonial headdress reconstructed with more than two years of research bears seven white eagle feathers that signify the commitment a leader makes to lead with responsibility.

Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is being asked to come forward.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 12, 2022.

The Canadian Press