The family of Frank Young, who went missing in Saskatchewan almost three months ago, have been participating in ceremonies and prayers to prepare for their final goodbyes.
Frank’s body was found on Saturday in water at Red Earth Cree Nation where he was originally reported missing on April 19.
On Sunday morning, Carrot River RCMP said they received a report that Frank’s body was found. RCMP added there is no indication of suspicious circumstances, however, further investigative steps will be taken.
RCMP say Frank was located Saturday in the Carrot River, about two kilometres downstream from where he was last seen playing.
Frank’s grandmother Teresa Whitecap says community members have also gone by boat to the site where he was found and tied white and blue ribbons around trees.
She says white represents the boy’s pureness and innocence, while blue symbolizes his favourite cartoon, PAW Patrol.
RCMP say foul play is not suspected in the death but officers continue to investigate.
Whitecap, said when Frank went missing the family circle was broken.
Hundreds of volunteers searched the community over nearly three months by land, water and air.
The hashtag ‘hope for Frank’ went nationwide and beyond — even gathering attention from people in places such as New Zealand and Rwanda.
The communities of Red Earth and Shoal Lake are looking to start an awareness campaign to keep children safe and use remaining donations to build a monument in honour of Frank.
RCMP say an autopsy was completed Tuesday and the investigation continues to find out what happened.
The family said there will be a wake service held on Red Earth Cree Nation before laying Young to rest — allowing him to continue his journey to the spirit world, on July 15 in the Shoal Lake Cemetery.
— with files from Global News’ Jeanelle Mandes and Moises Canales-Lavigne and The Canadian Press