Fort Good Hope elder recovering from shooting

A Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., elder who was shot in the face during a home invasion earlier this month says it may be a while before he and his wife return to their home.

Thomas Manuel Sr. told CBC News on Monday that he is still recuperating in Edmonton from a series of operations following the July 16 invasion, in which he received buckshot wounds to the face from a shotgun. His wife Denise, who injured herself while trying to escape the scene, suffered a fractured back and is in a brace.

Both elders, who are in their 70s, hope to find out if they can leave Edmonton by the end of this week. Manuel said he is happy his children are in the Alberta capital with the couple, tending to them in a local hotel.

But he added it will likely be a long time before they go home to Fort Good Hope, a hamlet located about 800 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife. He said he and Denise are not able to look after themselves, and their daughter in Norman Wells will tend to them for about four months.

Alexis Taureau, 18, of Fort Good Hope, faces 14 charges related to the incident, including break and enter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. He remains in custody andis scheduled to appear in court again Aug. 7.