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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Shayna Clarke was living the life of a typical preteen filled with best friends, music and boys before it was cut short.

Clarke, age 11, died of unknown causes in her family's home in Fort Providence on Boxing Day. Friends, family and community members gathered on Jan. 8 to celebrate Clarke's life at a memorial service organized by students and staff at Deh Gah school where Clarke was a vibrant Grade 6 student.

Shayna Clarke's ever-present smile is one of her traits that her friends remember most. - photo courtesy of Yvonne Reardon

There was standing room only in the school's gym as students paid tribute to Clarke.

"The life, as short as it was, touched many people," said Margaret Thom, who together with Margaret Vandell, led an honour ceremony at the beginning of the service.

Music was an important part of the event.

The Deh Gah school drummers performed and were followed by students who played two fiddle pieces. A group of Clarke's friends also performed a choreographed dance to one of her favourite songs, Poker Face by Lady Gaga.

The service ended with the gathered crowd forming a large double circle that filled the gym and dancing slowly as Johnny Landry performed Hinana Hoho Hine.

The impact that Clarke had on her friends' lives and the void she's left behind is palpable.

"I'd give anything in the world just to see her again," said Candace Minoza, 12.

Minoza's memories of Clarke include birthday parties, sleep-overs, swimming in the community's pool and playing outside.

All of Clarke's friends talk about her smile.

"She was always smiling," said Jeannine Minoza, 14.

Clarke also cared a lot about those around her.

"She was a really great girl. When we were sad she would cheer us up," said Etoah Antoine, 11.

"She was a really great friend."

Clarke liked having fun and enjoyed dancing and singing, said Antoine.

Clarke was the glue that bonded that group of young girls together, said Lois Philipp, the school's principal.

"She was living that 11-year-old life to the fullest," said Philipp.

Clarke was born on March 11, 1997 in Fort McMurray, Alta. to parents Shauna Clarke-Canadien and John Cardinal.

She grew up in Fort Chipewyan before moving with her family to Fort Providence in November 2005.

Clarke enjoyed watching videos, chatting online, fiddling and playing sports like soccer and swimming, said her mother Shauna. She always wanted to start things and helped form a dance club at the school last year, Shauna added.

Clarke also spent a lot of time with her friends, which meant bringing them over to the house. Almost every weekend Clarke would have at least one friend over. They enjoyed being with her, said Shauna.

Clarke's latest passion was snowmobiling with her friends. Even at -45 C a group would be out on their machines, Shauna said.

"There could be 10 kids in her room while they were warming up," she said.

Clarke also devoted a lot of attention to her little sister Alessandra Canadien, 18 months, said Joseph Canadien, Clarke's stepfather.

"She loved her sister lots," Canadien said.

Clarke was interred in Fort Chipewyan following a funeral service on Jan. 3. Shauna thanked the teachers and students for organizing the memorial service in Fort Providence.

"Everyone who knew Shayna knows she loved a good party," said Shauna.

Clarke would have enjoyed the fact that so many people attended the service, she said.

"She wanted to be famous when she grew up but she was already famous because of the number of people who knew her," said Shauna.

The NWT Coroner's Office is investigating Clarke's death and is waiting for results from tests, said Garth Eggenberger, the NWT chief coroner.

When reached for comment in the week following the death, Eggenberger said it wasn't being viewed as suspicious.