Ottawa Police say the remains found in the Rideau River on Monday are those of noted Inuit artist Annie Pootoogook.
The 46-year-old's body was discovered near Bordeleau Park by a city worker who had been cleaning up drug materials.
Born in Cape Dorset before moving to Ottawa in 2007, Pootoogook's work done in crayons and ink drew worldwide attention and won awards.
"She really bucked the traditions of Inuit art," Jason St. Laurent, Curator at the sAW Gallery, told CFRA's Ottawa Now with guest host Kristy Cameron. "Her drawings really reflected the intimate life of the people around her in the north."
"She's made thousands and thousands of drawings over her lifetime."
Pootoogook has been featured at the National Gallery and at Documenta in Kassel, Germany.
In recent years, the artist has battled substance abuse issues.
The Major Crime Unit has put out a call for anyone with information on the days leading up to her death to come forward.
They are stressing this is not a murder investigation.
The Major Crime Unit can be called at 613-236-1222 Ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.