The grieving family of a Norwegian hiker who was found dead along the banks of the Hayes River are being welcomed by First Nations communities, embracing the family just as they took in their son when he started his Canadian journey two years ago.

Steffen Skjottelvik's parents, sister and brother have been retracing his steps across northern Ontario and Manitoba, following his nearly 300-kilometre journey along the rugged edge of Hudson Bay from Fort Severn, Ont., to York Factory, Man.

Skjottelvik, 29, had planned to arrive in York Factory on foot with his two dogs on Aug. 15 and was reported missing when he never made it.

The search was led by a team from Fort Severn First Nation, headed by Angus Miles, who was Skjottelvik's primary contact throughout his final trek.

A helicopter pil

See Full Page