Remains found near Quebec First Nation sent for assessment

Bone remains found near the Kitigan Zibi First Nation community in Quebec over the weekend are being tested to see if they are of human origin, according to provincial police.

Police said they found the remains off a gravel road north of the reserve where Highway 107 and Highway 117 meet, about 145 kilometres north of Ottawa.

The remains have not been confirmed as human, said police, and there is no reason to connect the discovery with the disappearance of two teenagers from the reserve in September.

Shannon Alexander, 17, and Maisy Odjick, 16, went missing from the Maniwaki community on Sept. 6, 2008.

News of the discovery has many in the community fearing the worst.

"I'm thinking about the two girls," said Maria Buckshot who lives in the community.

"Because, it could be anything. It could be anywhere. We are still in shock, very much," she said. "My husband and I, we pray every day safe return for them. But so far, we haven't heard anything."