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By Ben Tompkins
The communities of Red Earth and Shoal Lake Cree Nations memorialized one of their own with very heavy hearts.
Five-year-old Frank Young went missing on April 19, 2022 and wasn’t seen again until 81 days later, when his body was found washed up on the Red Earth River Bank, roughly two to three miles from where he was last seen alive.
His family, the two communities, respective First Nation members and more gathered at the site where his body was found to forever honour his life with a customized cross and photo, which will now stand there permanently.
Fabian Head, who was the chief of Red Earth during the time that Young went missing, spoke to northeastNOW about what the day meant to everyone involved.
“It brings a sense of closure for the grief and loss that we’ve experienced,” Head said. “It’s a day to continue healing, and that’s what we need to do.
“Lyle (the person who found Frank) was here today and I thank him for having the strength to come here to the actual site. It’s reassuring that he’s on the healing path as well. It’s an honour to have this memorial for Frank.”
Young’s family and the fire rescue team for Red Earth were a big part of the afternoon, as they blessed both the cross and the photo of him.
(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)
Head said it’s an important step in continuing Young’s legacy as the “very special boy” he’s remembered as.
“He brought people together,” Head said. “People from across Canada came and met here, with some families that hadn’t seen each other in a long time. It was very special how that played out because that’s Frank and those were his qualities.”
One of Head’s strongest memories is when one of Young’s former classmates was at his funeral and walked up to the coffin and touched it.
At that moment, his former classmate uttered the words “I miss you, Frank,” which Head explained was the result of how Young touched people in a special way.
The day continued in Shoal Lake as people got the opportunity to bless Young’s headstone before joining in a commemorative barbecue, as Young’s life continues to be remembered and celebrated.