Remains of Native Student Who Died While Attending Boarding School Returned Home 100 Years Later

**Return of Remains Marks Significant Moment for Shishmaref Community**

The ancient island city of Shishmaref, Alaska, has recently welcomed back the remains of a local girl, Tummassak, who tragically passed away at the age of 12 over a century ago. Her remains were formally returned following an extensive research effort by the Alaska Native Heritage Center, highlighting the enduring impact of historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.

Tummassak was taken from her home to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania in 1897. Sadly, she succumbed to tuberculosis just three years into her stay at the institution, which was among a network of schools designed to forcibly assimilate Native American children into Western culture. Her story is emblematic of a larger narrative involving the mistreatment of Indigenous youth in America.

After her death in 1900, Tummassak’s remains were kept at the Carlisle school, which functioned as a boarding facility until 1918. Recently, the Alaska Native Heritage Center identified her and other children, leading to the repatriation of Tummassak and 30 other Alaska Native children back to their home state. The return is not merely a physical journey but also a step towards healing for the community that has long dealt with the ramifications of such historical wrongs.

Researcher Nyché Andrew has taken a personal interest in Tummassak’s story, feeling a strong ancestral connection to the young girl. Andrew, who noticed the striking resemblance between Tummassak and her own great-great-grandmother, expressed her shock at the similarities between them, particularly the unique tattoos they both bore. This commentary underscores the intergenerational ties linking many Indigenous people to their lineage, often disrupted by historical traumas.

On October 4, a poignant repatriation ceremony took place at Shishmaref Lutheran Church, where Tummassak was laid to rest. The ceremony was met with a sense of reverence and communal mourning as the community gathered to honour her memory and reflect on the profound implications of her return. Andrew remarked on Tummassak’s newfound peace, noting that her view from the cemetery is now more tranquil, devoid of the chaotic environment that surrounded her during her life.

Accounts from the time of Tummassak’s death, including a newspaper article from the Carlisle school’s publication, paint a vivid picture of her spirit. Described as “patient, gentle and brave,” the piece reveals her resilience in the face of illness and highlights the emotional challenges faced by countless children subjected to similar fates in boarding schools across the continent.

The historical context of these institutions is dark and troubling. Established in the aftermath of 19th-century conflicts, Native American boarding schools sought to erase Indigenous cultures by forcibly removing children from their families. Children from over 100 different Indigenous groups were sent to these schools, where they endured not only cultural erasure but rampant abuse, neglect, and harsh living conditions.

This troubling legacy has gained renewed attention in recent years, particularly following a federal investigation launched in 2021 by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The inquiry unearthed a disturbing history of abuse, racism, and neglect at these schools, revealing the physical and emotional scars borne by survivors and their families. Haaland has been vocal about the necessity of confronting this past, describing the testimonies of survivors as both painful and enlightening.

As the community of Shishmaref grapples with the echoes of its past, the repatriation of Tummassak represents a significant step in acknowledging the trauma experienced by Alaska Native children. Her return has initiated conversations surrounding healing, remembrance, and the need for continued advocacy for Indigenous rights and recognition.

In a world where historical injustices often remain overlooked, Tummassak’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of reclaiming their narratives. The journey of these children, coupled with the ongoing efforts to shed light on their experiences, offers hope for a future grounded in understanding, healing, and justice.