Resilience Montreal and the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal are coming together to hold a special public event at Cabot Square on November 28th at noon. The aim is to pay tribute to members of the unhoused community in Montreal who have lost their lives due to the ongoing housing crisis and the lack of adequate support services.
In the past 18 months, over 24 individuals have tragically passed away, with 70% of them being of Indigenous descent, as reported by the organizations involved. The dire housing situation, insufficient emergency shelters, limited access to healthcare, and systemic prejudices have contributed to a dangerous environment for those without a stable place to live.
David Chapman, the executive director of Resilience Montreal, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “When shelters are full and support services are overwhelmed, unhoused individuals are left to fend for themselves, often in unsafe conditions. Sadly, more lives are lost each year, with a disproportionate impact on the Indigenous community.”
Advocates point out that many of these individuals do not receive the respect of a proper farewell when they pass away. The memorial event seeks to provide a space for the community to come together, mourn, and remember the individuals behind the tragic statistics.
Expressing frustration with the lack of progress in reconciliation efforts, Na’kuset, the executive director of the Montreal Native Women’s Shelter, questioned the city’s commitment to Indigenous communities. She stated, “It is unacceptable that a city claiming to embrace Indigenous culture in its symbols has failed to uphold its promises of reconciliation.”
Both organizations are calling on the public, frontline workers, and city officials to join them at the memorial event on Wednesday to show their support and solidarity.
