Tara-lyn Poorman was reported missing on Dec. 12, 2008. (CBC/File)

A sacred fire has been burning on the Kawacatoose First Nation, north of Regina, as family and friends gather for the funeral of Tara-lyn Poorman, the 17-year-old whose body was discovered a week ago.

Poorman had been missing since mid-December, after attending a sweet-sixteen birthday party in a north Regina neighbourhood. Her body was found one block away, and police have reported that there was no evidence of foul play associated with her remains.

Poorman, who was from Kawacatoose First Nation, was a straight-A high school student in Regina whose disappearance mystified family and friends.

Since Thursday, Kawacatoose community members have been tending a sacred fire in Poorman's honour. By midday Friday about 100 people had gathered at the community hall, to bid a final farewell and share memories of the youth.

Songs were played and prayers offered. Close family including Poorman's mother, Shellyn Kay, were among the mourners.

Near the open coffin, a table had been set up with some of Poorman's favourite items and a collection of the tributes created for her during the time her whereabouts were not known.

Visiting was expected to continue until mid-afternoon Friday.

A great-uncle told the media that the mood inside the hall was sad, with many people in tears. There were some smiles and laughter, too, as people recounted stories about Poorman's life and her impact on people.

Fred Asapace added that people were heartbroken, but that healing over the loss had begun. He said Poorman was moving into the second phase of her life, entering the spirit world.