Family mourns victim of dog mauling

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This article was published 16/05/2017 (3095 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Family and friends of Donnelly Rose Eaglestick filed into the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel Tuesday evening to mourn a life cut short by tragedy.

The chapel on Selkirk Avenue in the North End marked the start of several days of tribute to the young single mother who was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs over the weekend on Little Grand Rapids First Nation.

The memorial was a gesture of kindness by Eaglestick’s family to allow a few dozen mourners — people who know the family but live in Winnipeg — say their farewells.

Mourners quietly filled the pews inside, taking their seats as a singer strummed an electric guitar and sang Christian hymns with a country twang.

The family chose an open casket, and in it, Eaglestick’s body showed no signs of how she died.

Outside the chapel, Eaglestick’s uncle, Roderick Mayham, shared a few quiet words about the family’s swirling emotions.

“It’s hard, I’m trying not to think about it,” said Mayham.

Eaglestick was returning home from a friend’s place early Saturday when she was attacked. Her body was found after daybreak by people who were on their way to work.

Described as petite, just over five feet tall and about 90 pounds, it’s believed she couldn’t fend off the animals.

People who reported finding her said they witnessed about 30 of the strays surrounding her remains.

The manner of her death has shocked the small northern community. People are scared to leave their homes until the pack of strays can be culled.

Dogs are outside animals on First Nations and strays roaming the roads are common, Eaglestick’s uncle said.

He said he could never have imagined the animals would attack Eaglestick, and he approves of plans to cull the strays.

Mayham said he was touched by the support the community showed at a vigil held Sunday at the spot where Eaglestick was found.

“I’m just very thankful for the vigil. So many went. The chief said they had 200 candles to give out, and by the time they got started, they had to get more candles,” Mayham said.

Inside the chapel, his wife, Doris Mayham, spoke quietly about her niece before the memorial got underway.

“We’re going to take her home tomorrow,” Mayham said, gesturing to the casket at the front of the chapel.

In a soft voice, barely audible above the hymns, Mayham recalled she had raised her niece from the age of five.

“The same age as her daughter is right now. She was like a daughter to me,” Mayham said. “She was a loving, caring person, friendly, always had a smile on her face. She made people laugh.

“I’m going to miss her.”

The couple said they are planning to raise Eaglestick’s only child, a daughter named Danika.

Eaglestick’s aunt and uncle have been in Winnipeg since the death, making arrangements for the release of Eaglestick’s remains. A funeral is planned for Friday in Little Grand Rapids.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca