Delphine Beaulieu fondly remembers her father’s music filling the room while she, her little sister Alma, and their older sister, Dot, danced joyfully. This cherished memory of Alma is the only one Delphine has, as Alma tragically passed away at the age of five in 1944 at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Fort Resolution, N.W.T.
Despite the passage of time, Delphine held onto the promise she made to her mother to one day bring Alma back home. Recently, this promise was fulfilled as Alma was laid to rest next to her mother in Fort Smith.
Reflecting on the past, Delphine recalled the heart-wrenching moment when the family received no explanation for Alma’s sudden absence, with her mother, Mary Louise, only discovering the tragic news through another child’s return from Fort Resolution.
Decades later, a photograph depicting unmarked graves in the Fort Resolution cemetery reignited memories of her mother’s grief and the vow Delphine made to reunite with her sister. Collaborating with Deninu Kųę́ First Nation and a team of forensic specialists and researchers nationwide, Alma’s remains were successfully located and identified through DNA testing, bringing immense relief to Delphine.
The process of repatriating Alma’s remains spanned over two years, marred by legal complexities and confusion surrounding the classification of the children’s graves. However, Delphine’s unwavering determination has not only reunited Alma with her family but has also set a precedent for Indigenous communities seeking to honor their deceased in accordance with their cultural traditions.
Acknowledging Delphine’s perseverance, Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon emphasized the significance of Alma’s return in restoring a fundamental human right denied to Indigenous families for far too long. Premier R.J. Simpson’s intervention further facilitated the repatriation process, clarifying the procedures for families wishing to relocate loved ones under the Public Health Act.
Expressing gratitude to all those involved in the arduous journey, Delphine emphasized the profound sense of peace and closure that bringing Alma home has brought her. She hopes that her experience will pave the way for other families seeking to honor their departed loved ones in a similar manner.