Sep 30, 2020
MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – The death of an Indigenous woman who was subject to degrading taunts by nursing staff in a Quebec hospital epitomizes the prevalence of racism against Indigenous people in the province, says a prominent social activist.
The death of Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year-old Indigenous mother of seven, in Joliette, Que., on Monday has sparked outrage across the province. Echaquan recorded hospital staff making insulting comments in a video she posted online before her death. One of the nurses has since been fired.
Social activist Nakuset, the executive director of Montreal’s Native Women’s Shelter, says Echaquan’s death – and the video – is just one of many examples of violence and racism toward Indigenous communities.