RCMP said an autopsy has determined that human remains found on the weekend have been positively identified as missing Fisher Branch woman Nancy Swenty.
Officers said her death is being treated as a homicide.
Swenty, 33, was seen on July 27 and was reported missing the next morning.
RCMP, family and friends had been appealing for help locating her and searches were conducted.
Gordie Wevursky is a friend of Swenty's family.
"Even from day one - the morning she went missing - the community was searching," he said.
Swenty's truck was found days later near an abandoned farm house.
This past weekend, an extensive search involving hundreds of people was carried out. Near Poplarfield, volunteers spotted a black Co-op jacket, which had been listed as an item of clothing Swenty had been seen wearing.
Volunteers contacted RCMP, who responded and located human remains in the area, which were then sent to Winnipeg for the autopsy.
Swenty's family released a statement Wednesday.
"We would like to thank to all of the searchers who spent countless hours to bring Nancy home," said the statement.
Officers also thanked the public for its help.
Police aren't yet releasing the cause of death and hope evidence will lead to an arrest.
"Having the body is key in the investigation…they body tells a story and this will certainly help the investigation along," said Sgt. Line Karpish with RCMP.
Those who knew Swenty said she was a loving daughter, a kindhearted friend and someone people could count on.
"She had her life going good and she enjoyed work, she put the effort in, and for this to happen there are a million questions why," said Gordie Wevursky, who also helped organize this past weekend's search for Swenty.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact police.
A celebration of Nancy Swenty's life is scheduled to be held at the Fisher Branch Community Centre on Monday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. Her family said everyone is welcome to attend.
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
