The heartbroken parents of a young Canadian backpacker discovered deceased amidst a group of dingoes have announced they are now emotionally prepared to journey to Australia. They aim to participate in a farewell ceremony for their cherished daughter near the location where her life tragically ended.
A Journey for Closure
Todd and Angela James, alongside a close family friend, are scheduled to arrive in Queensland early next week. Their purpose is to attend a traditional smoking ceremony organised by the Butchulla Indigenous people on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island. This sacred event will take place on the beach proximate to where their daughter, Piper James, was found.
The Tragic Incident
Piper James, aged 19, was employed on K'gari when she ventured for an early morning swim on January 19. Her body was discovered a brief time later, encircled by at least ten dingoes near the popular SS Maheno shipwreck site. While a subsequent autopsy revealed evidence of 'pre-mortem' dingo bites, it conclusively determined that drowning was the most probable cause of death.
Mr James expressed the profound difficulty in deciding when to make this poignant trip, stating the family needed time to process their immense grief collectively. 'As much as I wanted to be there by her side, it's been hard, but it will happen,' he remarked. 'I said "We go when you're ready. We'll go together". So that is our intent.'
A Cultural Gesture of Healing
The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation extended the invitation for the ceremony in a heartfelt letter to the grieving family. The correspondence explained the deep spiritual connection the Traditional Owners hold with the land. It emphasised that when a tragedy occurs 'On Country', it resonates through the people, their ancestors, and the spirit of K'gari itself.
'It is part of our culture and responsibilities ... to honour the life and ensure the spirit churning is peaceful,' the letter conveyed. 'This ceremony is important in cultural protocols for us and a way to bring calm to the land, acknowledge her spirit and offer the healing to all... who are connected.'
Aftermath and Memorial Plans
In the wake of the incident, rangers have significantly increased patrols across K'gari, the world's largest sand island. Authorities have destroyed six dingoes that subsequently exhibited aggressive behaviour towards humans.
A GoFundMe campaign established by a friend of the James family has successfully raised more than $36,000 to support them during this period. Following the ceremony in Australia, the family intends to return to Canada with Piper's remains. They plan to hold a 'beautiful celebration' of her life with relatives and friends at a funeral service scheduled for February 28.
Mr James shared their travel plans on social media, writing: 'It is now time to go to Australia to be with Piper, walk where she last walked, and try to feel the spirit of my baby girl in some way. We will return with Piper back home to Canada... Not ready to say goodbye.'
