The Residential School Remains Identification and Repatriation Act had its first reading in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories this week.
The bill, put forward by MLA Richard Edjericon and seconded by MLA Kieron Testart, would formalize a proven approach into Canada’s first legal framework for identifying and repatriating the remains of children from residential school sites.
“We’ve shown that this can be done and done right. Now it’s time to put this process into law and show the rest of Canada what Northern leadership on reconciliation looks like,” said Edjericon.
Following the repatriation of Alma Beaulieu last year, six more children were repatriated to their home communities, and more unmarked burial sites exist in Fort Resolution and other residential school sites across the NWT.
MLA Edjericon noted that the purpose of this legislation is not necessarily to repatriate the remains of every child who was lost to residential schools, but to provide a clear and consistent process for families to identify their loved ones and decide how they wish to honour them.
“This is carefully crafted legislation that establishes clear procedures to protect family choice, consent, and privacy – and at its heart is a commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples,” said Testart.
The bill is scheduled for its second reading and debate later this week.
