THUNDER BAY — Nishnawbe Aski Nation says the search for a missing woman from Sandy Lake First Nation has come to a tragic end.
Deborah Anishinabie, 41, was last seen on Dec. 5 leaving a bar in the 100 block of Simpson Street.
On Wednesday afternoon, NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler issued a statement saying Thunder Bay Police have informed the family her body was discovered in the 800 block of Finlayson Street.
Since Dec. 14, police have been investigating an occurrence in the area of Finlayson Street and McKellar Street.
According to NAN, an arrest has been made.
"For nearly two weeks we have hoped that the prayers of Deborah's family would be answered, and that she would be returned to her loving family. Sadly, our worst fears have come true," Fiddler's statement said.
"We are not yet fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and we anxiously await the results of this investigation. We acknowledge that an arrest has been made, and we will help ensure that the family gets the answers they deserve from the appropriate authorities."
The statements from NAN have not been confirmed by police.
However, TBPS subsequently issued two news releases, one announcing that Deborah Anishinabie is no longer the subject of a missing person investigation, and the other revealing that a deceased person had been found in the Finlayson/McKellar Street vicinity on Saturday.
One individual has been charged with committing an indignity to a human body.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, issued a statement through its president, Lorrie Deschamps, saying it is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Deborah Anishinabie whom it described as a beloved student, graduate, friend and valued member of the community.
"Deborah was a kind soul who brought warmth and light wherever she went. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a presence that made her unforgettable," Deschamps said.
She said the woman was a graduate of the institute's Personal Support Worker program, and was set to return to continue her education in January.
"Deborah was a role model – an inspiration to other students through her dedication, perseverance and kindness," she added.
NOTE: A previous version of this story was updated at 2:32 pm Dec. 18 to include new information from TBPS. The story was further updated at 4:42 pm with comments from Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
