The grandmother of five year old Frank Young whose body was found in the water, not far from his home on the Red Earth Cree Nation last Saturday, says when he went missing on April 19th, the family circle was broken. Teresa Whitecap say her family is heartbroken knowing they won’t see Frank again.

During the 81 days that he was missing, Whitehead says a child was born, and the family circle is complete again. She believes Frank has joined other family members in the next part of his journey. On behalf of her family, Teresa Whitecap thanks everyone who came forward to help and says she was touched by all the messages of support, including an email all the way from Rwanda.

Red Earth Cree Nation Chief Fabian Head says he is thankful Frank’s body was found, but it’s not the outcome anyone wanted. He adds that during those 81 days people from all walks of life came together to help. There were many volunteers and well wishes from across the country and beyond.

Carrot River RCMP Detachment Commander, Sgt. Richard Tonge, says the investigation is ongoing, because the cause of death hasn’t yet been determined, although there is no indication of suspicious circumstances.

On the family’s behalf, Chief Head thanks the many agencies involved in the search including RCMP, Indigenous Services Canada, fire crews from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, search and rescue groups, the Prince Albert Grand Council, Shoal Lake Cree Nation where Teresa Whitecap is from, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations communities from across the prairies.

Frank Young’s wake is Wednesday at Red Earth Cree Nation, then the family will travel to Shoal Lake where he will be laid to rest on Friday.