Remains of Two Indigenous Girls Returned to Home Community After Residential School Deaths

The remains of two Indigenous girls who died at a residential school have been returned to their home community in Canada's Northwest Territories. Deninu Kųę́ First Nation Chief Louis Balsillie escorted the small wooden caskets of Denise Boucher and Alice Abel by plane to Łutselk'e on Thursday morning. From there, the caskets were driven to a graveyard beside the Snowdrift River, where separate burial ceremonies were held for each girl. The repatriation is part of ongoing efforts to address the legacy of Canada's residential school system, which forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities. Thousands of children died while attending these schools, many from disease, malnutrition, or neglect. In recent years, communities have been working to locate and bring home the remains of their lost children. The return of Denise and Alice brings a measure of closure to Łutselk'e, though the pain of the past remains. Community members gathered to honour the girls and ensure they are finally laid to rest in their ancestral land. Chief Balsillie expressed gratitude for the support received during the process. The Canadian government has acknowledged the harms of the residential school system and committed to reconciliation. However, for many Indigenous families, the return of remains is a deeply personal step toward healing.