The family of a Norwegian hiker discovered deceased near the Hayes River in Canada is receiving warm support from First Nations communities. These communities welcomed the family, mirroring the care and acceptance they provided the hiker during his Canadian adventure two years ago.
The family of Steffen Skjottelvik, including his parents, sister, and brother, has been retracing his path through northern Ontario and Manitoba. Skjottelvik, aged 29, had embarked on a nearly 300-kilometer journey from Fort Severn, Ontario, to York Factory, Manitoba, with his two dogs. He was expected to reach York Factory by foot on August 15 but was reported missing when he failed to arrive.
The search for Skjottelvik was led by a team from Fort Severn First Nation, under the guidance of Angus Miles, who was Skjottelvik’s main contact during his final expedition. The hiker’s body was discovered along the Hayes River on August 24 by a helicopter pilot contracted by Fort Severn, with an autopsy confirming that he had drowned.
Upon their visit to Fort Severn, hundreds of community members gathered to meet Skjottelvik’s family, offering support through hugs, gifts, and prayers. Christian Dyresen, the family spokesperson, expressed gratitude for the emotional reception from the First Nation, highlighting how they embraced Skjottelvik as one of their own during his time in the community.
Skjottelvik’s journey began when he arrived in Peawanuck, a remote northern Ontario community, in the spring of 2023. Initially documenting his travels across northern Canada on foot with the aim of reaching Alaska, his focus shifted as he formed connections within the community. Dyresen shared that Skjottelvik fell in love with a local woman, reshaping his documentary to emphasize his admiration for the First Nation and its culture.
The family embraced the young woman, who had been a significant part of Skjottelvik’s life, and continued their journey to retrace his final steps. A videographer from Norway’s national broadcaster NRK has been capturing their expedition from Oslo to York Factory to fulfill Skjottelvik’s documentary aspirations.
Skjottelvik’s dogs survived the trek and are now in Peawanuck, where the family is planning a funeral service in Winnipeg on Monday afternoon. The community’s outpouring of love and support for the hiker and his family has been deeply appreciated, reflecting the care and respect shown by the First Nations towards Skjottelvik during his time in Canada.
