'She was fierce': Family, friends and fans honour Kelly Fraser at Inuk musician's vigil

Hundreds of supporters surroundedKelly Fraser's family and friends as the sun set over Oodena Circle on Treaty 1 Territoryto celebrate her life and reflect on the mark she left onpeople's hearts and in their minds.

A candlelight vigil held on Saturday eveningin Winnipeg for the Juno-nominated Inuk singer-songwriteropened with prayers whilea sacred fire burnedat the centre of the circle.

Fraser, 26, died by suicide in the city on Christmas Eve. Her death has sparked renewed calls for better mental health and social services for Inuit, First Nations and Mtis peoplewho have enduredcenturies of colonization followed by years of childhood pain and trauma.

Fraser's family said shewas a bright and bubbly social butterfly who was outspoken about inter-generational struggles and her own suffering in the hopes of helping others.

"My baby sister was very fierce and stubborn at the same time," Maxine Angoo, 33, said.

Fraser used her platform to speak out against stereotyping and racism.

"She was struggling with a lot of demons," Angoo said.

Drumming, singing and smudging along with differentitems people brought with them provided a multitude of ways for community members to seek healing.

Fraser had been living with her older sisterin Winnipeg after relocating from Nunavut, where they both grew up.

Angoo said her younger sister wanted people to see and hear everything good about her life, language and culture.

"She just wanted to be happy," Angoo said.

For Angoo, the loss of her sister isa reminder to return totradition.

"That was what she fought for."

Promoting Inuit culture and language revitalization was a key driving force in Fraser's music and art. She spoke Inuktitut with her younger family members, her sister said.

Jade Harper of Manitoba Music spoke about themark Fraser left on the music scene on and off stage across Turtle Island and around the world.

"This is a really really big loss for our communities," Harper said.

"I just want to emphasize how incredibly talented that Kelly was, and she was fierce, and nothing ever stopped her."

A teacher at heart,Fraser shared her love for music and her drum with everyone who wanted to hear it.

In honour of his lost friend, River Steele, who helped organize the vigil, worea hat that Fraserbrought back from Paris as a gift.

"She was a very powerful person," Steele said.

"She was very unapologetic with how she acknowledged her emotions and how she processed things."

He said his friend would often confront those emotions.

Nowit is important for the community to reflect on the strugglesoutlined byher death and process those feelings in a healthy way.

Steele expressed thanksto those who showed up, as well as the community at-large who couldn't be there, and expressed condolences to survivors.

WATCH| Family speaksout for the first time about Kelly Fraser's death:

Community vigil for Kelly Fraser in Winnipeg

5 years ago

Duration 2:20

Hundreds of supporters gathered around Kelly Fraser's family and friends as the sun set over Oodena Celebration Circle on Treaty 1 Territory to celebrate the beloved Inuk singer and songwriter's life.

Where to get help

If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention says.

• Nunavut KamatsiaqtutHelpLine 1-800-265-3333.
• Embrace Life Council.
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or live chat counsellingonline.
• Hope for WellnessHelp Line 1-855-242-3310.
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service1-833-456-4566 or text45645 or chat atcrisisservicescanada.ca.
• In French:Association qubcoise de prvention du suicide 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
• Indian Residential School Resolution health support program, northern region 1-800-464-8106.