Man charged with indignity to human body after remains found in Thunder Bay over the weekend

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) says a person has been charged with indignity to a human body after human remains were discovered on the south side of town over the weekend.

Police officers located a deceased person in the area of the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North on Saturday afternoon, the TBPS said in a statement issued Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

The TBPS says it will not be publicly releasing the identity of the deceased at this time. However, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) issued a statement on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET saying that missing woman Deborah Anishinabie's family was informed by the TBPS that her remains were discovered "in the 800 block of Finlayson Street."

Anishinabie was last seen Dec. 5 around 2 a.m. ET leaving New Newfie's Pub on Simpson Street. The 42-year-old was a member of Sandy Lake First Nation. She lived in the city with her daughter, her family told CBC News.

The TBPS says members of the major crimes unit and forensic identification unit became involved in the investigation. A suspect was arrested on Tuesday. A 24-year-old man has been charged with indignity to a human body.

The man appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody. He is expected to appear in court again on Monday. Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

Shortly after 2 p.m. ET, the TBPS issued another statement, saying that Deborah Anishinabie "is no longer the subject of a missing person investigation."

"This is now a private matter between investigators and the family," police said.

A kind and bubbly person

NAN is a political territorial organization that represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5, including Sandy Lake.

"This is not the result we were hoping to hear. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deborah's family, friends, and the entire community of Sandy Lake First Nation as they deal with this terrible loss so close to the holidays. We ask the Creator to give them strength during the difficult days ahead," NAN said.

Stacey Fiddler, Anishinabie's cousin, described her as a kind and bubbly person who enjoyed shopping, spending time outdoors and playing games. She was very close to her family and was in contact with them daily, Fiddler said.

Anishinabie had been working in the health-care industry and recently graduated from a program at the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute. She had plans to pursue further education in the new year, said Fiddler.

About 70 people attended a candlelight vigil walk for Anishinabie on Dec. 12, which marked a week since her disappearance.

"We are not yet fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and we anxiously await the results of this investigation," NAN said. "We will help ensure that the family gets the answers they deserve from the appropriate authorities."

"NAN acknowledges and gives thanks for the tireless efforts of the family, friends, community members, police services, and everyone who participated in, and supported, the search for Deborah over the past weeks."

'Deborah was a role model'

Lorrie Deschamps, president of the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: Wenjack Education Institute, issued a statement Wednesday shortly before 4 p.m. ET expressing her condolences.

"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.

Deschamps said Anishinabie was a graduate of the personal support worker program, and was expected to return to the institute for further studies in January.

"Deborah was a role model — an inspiration to other students through her dedication, perseverance, and kindness," Deschamps said.

"Deborah was often found in the Oshki-Wenjack staff and student kitchen, sharing laughs, or diligently working on her homework. Oshki-Wenjack became a second home to her — a place where she spent much of her time, even outside of class, building connections and working toward her goals."