THUNDER BAY - The family of Josiah Begg remains on their healing journey one year after the teen died while visiting Thunder Bay.
The body of the 14-year-old from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation was found in the McIntyre River on May 18, 2017 -- 12 days after he was reported missing. Josiah was in the city for a medical appointment.
An overwhelming display of support for Begg’s family was shown on Friday as about 100 friends, family and community members came together to honour his memory.
“It’s part of our closure,” grandfather Mike McKay said. “Part of our healing, we’re going through the process.”
A memorial walk took participants down Simpson Street and Pacific Avenue and towards the waterways where Begg was found.
“It brings back a lot of memories, especially being here last year… and what we went through,” McKay said. “We wanted to find him, take him home, and put him to rest... which is what happened. This is another step for closure.”
In an extremely emotional few minutes Begg’s family performed a song and laid roses onto the river. They invited community members to do the same. Throughout the song, a whistle was performed to commemorate Josiah’s love of life.
“We go to a sundance every year, [Josiah] was supposed to dance in it last year,” Josiah’s older sister Macayla Winter said. “It’s really sacred. It’s asking God to help us heal.”
Macayla said the ceremony gave the family a chance to reconnect and heal collectively.
“It’s nice to see and talk to everyone again,” she said. “We have a lot of busy people… I was away for school so I don’t usually get the chance.”
Coun. Frank Pullia, representing the city as the acting mayor, was among the dignitaries paying their respects.
“We’re seeing with a cultural of way of dealing with the loss of a life,” Pullia said. “But at the end of the day, we’re all speaking with one heart.”
In November, Ontario's chief coroner did not expect charges to be laid. The investigation is still open.