In remembrance of Joyce Echaquan, community members gathered at the Lanaudière Native Friendship Centre in Joliette, Quebec, marking five years since her passing. The event, held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., attracted numerous individuals who came together to celebrate her life and the lasting impact she has had.
Jennifer Brazeau, the executive director of the Lanaudière Native Friendship Centre, emphasized the importance of honoring Joyce’s memory and the hopeful legacy she has left behind. Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year-old Atikamekw mother of seven from Manawan, tragically passed away on September 28, 2020, following racist mistreatment at a Joliette hospital. The distressing incident, which was livestreamed on Facebook, brought attention to the systemic racism that played a role in her death, as confirmed by a 2021 coroner’s report.
The vigil organizers highlighted how Joyce Echaquan’s untimely death has sparked significant changes within Quebec’s healthcare system, fostering improved dialogue between Indigenous communities and the province. Luc Parlavecchio, director of Mirerimowin Proximity Clinic, stressed that the community’s response to the tragedy has led to enhancements in healthcare, education, and social services.
The commemoration began with a sense of community and shared meals before transitioning to speeches delivered at the entrance of the centre, near windows adorned with the message “Justice for Joyce.” Carol Dubé, Echaquan’s husband, spoke passionately about preserving Joyce’s memory and the enduring impact she has had on society.
The event also featured symbolic gestures, including the passing of a smouldering bundle of white sage among attendees. A poignant performance followed, with participants lighting candles and sharing their flames, culminating in a moment of silence where candles were raised skyward in unison, echoing calls for “Justice for Joyce.”
