Survivor of Tragic Shooting Shares Story of Healing and Hope
Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the devastating École Polytechnique shooting in 1989, recently opened up about her journey towards healing and reclaiming her life. Despite facing unimaginable terror and loss, Provost shared how she found the strength to return to the site of the Montreal massacre and rebuild a sense of safety.
Having endured multiple gunshot wounds during the tragic event that claimed the lives of 14 women and injured many others, including six of her classmates, Provost emphasized the importance of not succumbing to fear. Reflecting on her own experience, she acknowledged the lingering emotional impact even after 37 years.
In light of the recent school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where nine lives were lost, including that of the suspect, Provost, now a member of Parliament in Quebec, expressed her deep empathy for the affected families. Recalling her own path to recovery, she highlighted how returning to her studies after the attack was a pivotal moment in moving forward.
As a mother of four, Provost recognized the anguish and fear that parents in Tumbler Ridge must be facing, underscoring the need for support and solidarity during such trying times. Vancouver psychologist Dr. Valerie Caldeira echoed these sentiments, sharing her own struggles with ensuring her children’s safety in the wake of the tragedy.
Dr. Allison Crawford, a chief medical officer for a suicide crisis helpline, emphasized the importance of acknowledging and processing the collective trauma experienced by Canadians nationwide. While the sense of safety may be shaken, she reassured that with time, support, and a return to routine, there is hope for healing and restoration.
Keyphrase: School Shooting Recovery



