Angel Carlick's friends and colleagues at the Blue Feather Youth Centre are determined she will not have died in vain, says Sandra Bryce, manager of victim services for the Yukon government.

'The young people want to do something,' Bryce said in an interview this morning. 'What we want is to celebrate her life.'

Carlick, 19, was reported missing late last May. Whitehorse RCMP determined she was last seen between May 26 and 31.

Her remains were discovered in a forested area north of the Pilot Mountain subdivision last Friday.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, and the RCMP are continuing to investigate the case.

So far, members of the Second Avenue youth centre have planned commemorations of Carlick's life for the next three days, to be held at the centre from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. All are welcome.

On Tuesday evening, several MLAs, Justice Minister Marian Horne and 'a number of people who just wanted to show their concern and care' attended a commemorative event at the centre.

There was 'a genuine outpouring of sympathy,' said Bryce. Drumming, singing, and prayer have all been a part of the commemoration so far, she added.

Counsellors from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation also attended the commemoration, as well as three clergy members.

Bryce and her colleagues are also offering counselling services to those who have been affected by Carlick's death.

The young woman's friends and colleagues at the centre are making a commemorative wreath in her honour.

They have also initiated a memory book for people to express their condolences. As well, the centre is passing out blue ribbons for people to wear and show their support.

'Blue was (Carlick's) favourite colour,' explained Bryce.

She said she is impressed with 'the resiliency of the youth' during this very difficult time.

'They express their feelings, and support each other. I've seen very strong feelings of support for (Carlick's) family.'

Bryce said the terrible confirmation of Carlick's death has at least provided her loved ones with a sense of closure.

'It's been 5 1/2 months. What some of the young people are saying is that they have closure.'

Bryce added that those who knew Carlick said it wasn't in her character to disappear and suspend contact with those important to her.

Carlick's friends were also wary of the fact that Carlick never picked up her most recent paycheque from the Blue Feather Youth Centre, where she had worked.

'(Carlick's death) kind of validated what their suspicions were,' said Bryce.

'It is a terrible thing, but for lots of people, at least it's done. They can do some proper grieving.'

Members of the centre are also showing a video that includes footage of Carlick as part of their commemoration of her life.

'The video is quite fabulous,' said Bryce.

'It's a prevention video on personal safety (in relation to drugs and alcohol), and (Carlick) was one of the actresses.'

The youth centre is accepting donations for Carlick's family members, some of whom have already arrived in Whitehorse from Good Hope Lake, B.C.