Olivia Dawn Johnson (both) is pictured here in images shared by her Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe on Facebook.

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

'kokum energy'

Celebration & funeral scheduled for one of two girls found in Sylvan hotel room

Apr 15, 2023 | 4:09 PM

The celebration, wake and funeral for one of two girls found passed away in a Sylvan Lake hotel room this week is scheduled for the coming days.

Olivia Dawn Johnson, 13, has been identified by family on Facebook as one of the two girls who were tragically found unresponsive at the central Alberta town’s Best Western hotel.

RCMP say the investigation into how they died continues. No details have been shared about the second girl, other than her age.

rdnewsNOW reached out to family connections of Johnson, but is not sharing comments from them or family — aside from identifying her — out of respect for their privacy.

Johnson, who was a member of the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe (RDIDT), was remembered by that organization in a public Facebook post this week.

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“Our hearts, thoughts, prayers and best energy are with the Johnson family at this time,” the RDIDT writes.

“In the midst of this heartache Olivia continues to be a light and leader for our families and youth. We will miss her Kokum energy and beautiful smile deeply.

“What a gift she is to our community.

“We will try our best to support each other and the Johnsons in this time.”

Details of Johnson’s celebration, wake and funeral are as follows:

Location: Festival Hall – 4214 58 Street, Red Deer

Wake: 10 a.m., Monday, April 17 until 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 18

Funeral Ceremony: 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 18 at Festival Hall — Burial to follow

Join back at Festival Hall for a meal following the burial

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Celebration & funeral scheduled for one of two girls found in Sylvan hotel room

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