Open letter on Lac-Simon’s events

Press Release

Quebec Native Women (QNW) is greatly saddened by the current situation in Lac-Simon’s community and wishes to offer our condolences to those affected by this tragedy.

We are all saddened by these events, by the violence present in the community of Lac-Simon, but also equally present in other Aboriginal communities in Quebec. For a long time, Indigenous communities have been living in conditions of extreme economic precariousness accompanied by a significant lack of services, resources and Aboriginal intervention workers. It is the responsibility of the Provincial and Federal Government to adequately fund our communities to access better services and resources that will allow for concrete improvements in the quality of life for Aboriginals in Quebec.

The recent events in Lac-Simon also demonstrate that there is still considerable work to do in terms of violence prevention. We have to prioritize collaborative efforts within communities and outside communities. It is by working together in solidarity that we will develop strategies and solutions that will truly represent the true colors of our Nations.

“We all have a responsibility in this situation, no matter whom we are and where we come from. Let’s work together for our future generations, let’s work together for our children and let’s work together for a better life without violence” – Viviane Michel, QNW’s president.

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