An Edmonton teenager found badly beaten last month in Beaumont has opened his eyes and has spoken to his mother for the first time since the attack.

A close family friend said Braydon Heather, 14, can now breathe on his own.

Melanie Aube said the strides Heather has made in the past few days are a huge relief to his mother, Amberleah.

"She's overjoyed that there's even a small step forward and just hoping that he continues to get better and may at some point be the Braydon he used to be," said Aube.

She said the teen had been kept sedated in part because of swelling to his brain, but on Wednesday doctors felt it was safe to allow him to wake up.

His mother was in the hospital room when he came around, more than two weeks after he was beaten.

"He can talk," Aube said. "I'm not sure how clearly he can speak but he did recognize photos when she showed him pictures of family and friends. So that's really positive news."

Heather was found in Beaumont at about 1:35 a.m. on June 21. He had a serious head injury, and several lacerations on his hands, arms and face.

Braydon Heather opened his eyes for the first time since an alleged machete attack, Wednesday. Family friend Melanie Aube said he is now breathing on his own. (Melanie Aube)

Heather suffered five strokes while in hospital. While he remains in intensive care, Aube said his progress gives his mother hope for his recovery.

"It's overwhelmingly exciting for all of us who know Braydon, because a few days ago we didn't know what the future would hold," said Aube.

She doesn't know whether the teenager can remember anything from the night he was injured.

A 15-year-old boy is in custody and faces three charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.