‘The sunshine in her life:’ Online fundraiser created to assist victim’s boys

By Nigel Maxwell

As the one-month anniversary approaches since a woman’s remains were found in Prince Albert, support is pouring in for two young boys who have been left without their mother.

A GoFundMe has to date raised just over $1,100. According to a statement on the page, 24-year-old Taya Sinclair was taken from her family in a tragic and horrific way and still had so much to give and live for.

“Her children will need so much support and guidance as we move forward. If you are able to donate and help in any way, we would appreciate it. We appreciate the love and support we have been given thus far,” the statement said.

Sinclair’s aunt, Donna Aubichon, told paNOW money raised from the online fundraiser will help provide gifts and items for the boys (ages four and six) that would have otherwise come from their mother.

“She loved her children more than anything in this world. She adored them. That was the sunshine in her life,” Aubichon said.

On top of the challenge with Mother’s Day approaching, Easter is also coming up this weekend. It’s one of many holidays this year the boys will face without their mom, but according to Aubichon, they will still be surrounded by family.

“She wanted to have like this huge family get-together and the family is still going to do that,” Aubichon said.

Aubichon acknowledged it has not been easy telling the boys their mother is gone, but explained in the Indigenous culture, there is a very strong belief in the sky people and the spirit world.

“That’s kind of how we explained it to them: ‘Your mommy is part of the sky people now and she lives up there and she’s kind of like a superhero and she is invisible and we can’t see her but she can see us and she hears you and you can talk to her anytime,’ ” Aubichon said.

Expressing her gratitude to the community for its support, Aubichon said the family has always been very close and remains close to this day. She noted despite how far apart everyone is with respect to where they live, they all find time each day to talk to each other online, and have tea.

Sinclair, 24, was initially reported missing by Saskatoon police on March 16. The following day, her remains were discovered in Prince Albert’s snow dump area.

As of Monday, there have been no arrests. Noting how Sinclair had been living in Saskatoon, Aubichon said the family still has no idea why she was found in Prince Albert.

“We believe she was taken there,” Aubichon said.