FORT SEVERN — Officials with Nishnawbe Aski Nation say they and many communities are mourning the death of Norwegian hiker Steffen Skjottelvik, who was hiking across Ontario's far north when he went missing and was subsequently found dead.
On Sunday, Gillam, Man. RCMP announced the body of Steffen Skjottelvik was located on the banks of the Hayes River, not far from where his jacket was found on Friday. He was hiking from Fort Severn to York Factory, Man., when he went missing.
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation's executive council said “we had hoped and prayed that Steffen would be located safely, and our thoughts and prayers have been with his family, friends and loved ones since we received this unfortunate news."
"Steffen was well known in many of our remote communities, and vigils were held yesterday in several First Nations where he had established relationships.”
Thankful for the search and rescue efforts from Fort Severn community members, NAN officials said “many people went to great lengths and put their own lives at risk to find this young traveller."
"We are grateful for their efforts and to everyone who supported the search financially. Your kindness and compassion has showed the world who we are as a people.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations across Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 in Ontario, said it is also calling for the betterment of search and rescue operations and resources in the far north, citing concerns about bureaucracy.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the RCMP and other agencies, but it’s the leadership and volunteers from Fort Severn who are the true heroes in this effort,” the NAN executive's statement said.
“This search has raised serious concerns about search and rescue operations in the far north," the statement continued.
"We are seeing more and more activity on the land in and around our communities, and it appears that bureaucracy is getting in the way of safety. Policies must be updated. When lives are in danger, resources must be mobilized by all levels of government.”
