Delphine Beaulieu cherishes a vivid memory of her father serenading her and her siblings with his violin while they danced joyfully in their home. This memory is particularly poignant as it is the only recollection she has of her younger sister, Alma. Alma Beaulieu tragically passed away at the age of five in 1944 while enrolled at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Fort Resolution, N.W.T.
For years, Delphine clung to the memory of Alma and a solemn promise made to her mother to bring Alma back home. Recently, this promise was fulfilled as Alma was finally laid to rest beside her mother in Fort Smith. Overwhelmed with emotion, Delphine expressed her happiness, believing her mother would be smiling down from heaven.
The circumstances surrounding Alma’s death remained shrouded in mystery, with no explanation provided to the family. It was only through the news brought back by another child from Fort Resolution that their mother, Mary Louise, learned of Alma’s fate, leading to days of inconsolable grief.
Decades later, a photograph revealing unmarked graves in the Fort Resolution cemetery reignited Delphine’s determination to honor her promise and find her sister. Collaborating with the Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, forensic experts, and researchers nationwide, efforts were made to locate Alma’s remains. Upon the confirmation through DNA analysis that Alma had been found, Delphine expressed immense relief and gratitude.
The process of repatriating Alma’s remains spanned over two years, marred by legal complexities and confusion regarding the graves’ classification as archaeological sites. Delphine’s unwavering resolve has been hailed as a groundbreaking precedent by Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon, who emphasized the significance of restoring Indigenous communities’ rights to lay their loved ones to rest in accordance with tradition.
Premier R.J. Simpson’s intervention played a crucial role in facilitating the repatriation process, clarifying the procedures for families seeking to relocate the remains of their relatives under the Public Health Act. Delphine expressed profound gratitude to all involved in fulfilling her promise, underscoring the collective effort that brought Alma home after years of perseverance.
The return of Alma has brought solace and closure to Delphine, who hopes that other families will find similar peace in bringing their loved ones home.