Theresa Whitecap holds back tears while sitting beside Chief Fabian Head of Red Earth Cree Nation during a press conference on July 12, 2022. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

REMEMBERING FRANK

‘We would not give up hope’: Family, friends and supporters speak on passing of Frank Young

Jul 12, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Wearing bright orange shirts with the image of Frank Young in the centre, many friends, family and supporters hugged each other and shared stories and tears as they remembered the five-year-old boy from their community.

Frank Young, who had been missing for 81 days was found deceased on Red Earth Cree Nation on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Chiefs from Shoal Lake and Red Earth as well as the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and FSIN, joined family and friends to provide an update and share how their communities are coming together in the wake of the tragedy.

Chief Fabian Head of Red Earth Cree Nation recalled that fateful day when they discovered Frank in the river, about 2 km from his house.

“It was day 81 when Frank was located. We are thankful that he was located but not with the outcome we had hoped for,” he said. “Throughout the search, we assured the family of Frank Young that we would not give up nor give up hope.”

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Chief Fabian Head of Red Earth Cree Nation (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Head added water provided a big challenge for search crews, with the spring runoff posing a danger to search crews at one point. He used his speech to call on the federal government to re-open a specific claim on lands owing under Treaty 5 which was submitted in 1996. He said the rising water has consumed many trapping and hunting lands and they are running out of space for housing.

Chief Marcel Head of Shoal Lake Cree Nation said they found Frank in the thicket of a deadfall underneath the water.

“Bodies tend to stay underwater for a long period of time until such time when there’s hot weather. When the weather gets extremely hot – and that’s exactly what happened in this case – Frank’s little body surfaced.”

Sgt. Richard Tonge of Carrot River RCMP spoke on the search efforts and investigation. He was asked how Frank could have been found so close when search teams searched that area already.

“We used all the technology available to us, most of it was high-tech. I know that area was searched multiple times. The water is high so there’s not defined banks to the river right now. Trees have fallen into the river, and this has occurred over years so there is quite a bit of deadfall under the water. Despite our best efforts and using cutting end technology, nature is powerful. Sometimes our technology can’t overcome nature.”

Tonge added they received the call regarding Frank on Saturday, that he was found in the river. He also said there were no signs of foul play, and an autopsy is taking place Tuesday.

Theresa Whitecap, Frank’s grandmother spoke on behalf of the family. Fighting back tears and being consoled by friends and family members, she thanked the leadership of Red Earth Cree Nation for their tireless effort in searching for Frank, and the support and guidance they gave to the family.

“On that 81^st day when my grandson was found, they were right there with us.”

“From day one we used the word hope. Each and every one of us are very hurt, heartbroken, knowing that we will not see Frank.”

She said they will prepare Frank’s final resting place on Wednesday before saying their last goodbyes at the funeral on Friday. Special services will be held at Red Earth and Shoal Lake on Wednesday.

She added the family has received so many letters of support from across Canada and as far away as Rwanda.

Meanwhile, community members gathered at the site where Frank was discovered on Sunday, placing different colour ribbons on trees to represent innocence, purity and Paw Patrol.

(Submitted Photo/Charlene Head)

Amid the loss, Whitecap said there was a blessing that came, after a baby girl was born into the family, filling the gap she said existed with Frank’s disappearance.

“Our circle was broken when Frank went missing. During that time, we had a new family member join us. I call it a blessing because this little baby came and fell in Frank’s spot. So, my family circle is complete again even though Frank is no longer with us.”

Theresa Whitecap (right) and Frank’s teacher holds a baby born into the family after Frank went missing. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Whitecap also took time to share stories about Frank, his creativity, his smile and his love for Paw Patrol.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte offered his condolences to Frank’s family, adding this tragedy should serve as a message that every child does matter.

“To our First Nations communities, let’s watch over our children, let’s love our children. Every Child Matters.”

Marcel Head concluded by stating the remaining donations they received for the search efforts were go toward building a monument in Red Earth to honour Frank.

RCMP said they will continue to investigate the death.

“The investigation isn’t over until we can determine exactly what happened,” said Tonge. “Part of that is working with the coroner. At this point, I do not have an official cause of death or manner of death. That will be forthcoming.”

A picture of Frank Young sits on a table during a press conference on July 12, 2022 (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock