An Inuit woman died in the cold last Saturday in the streets of Montreal. His death revives the memories of Raphaël André, who died just as tragically last winter.
Pierre Parent knew Lizzie Pootoogook “very well”. The worker for the Native Support Workers Project and the Native Quebec Project works every day with this type of people confined to poverty. “She had a weakened immune system and alcohol in her liver. She found this corner to be quiet so as not to be pursued. Unfortunately, she did not wake up. It’s sad, tragic, ”he says.
The Montreal Police Department confirms that no criminal element is to be noted in this death which occurred near a construction site, corner René-Lévesque and Atwater. A coroner is responsible for shedding light on the exact causes of death.
“It is not the first and it will not be the last, unfortunately,” believes Pierre Parent.
However, the organizations he works for are trying to find suitable housing, improve their services and open their shelters 24 hours a day for people who are intoxicated. “What happens is people are punished,” he explains. “You’re too drunk, you swear or you do this or that, and you can’t come here for a week. But there are no other places for the natives. “
The “same story” had happened to Raphaël André, remembers the speaker.
” [Après son décès], they gave us blankets and canes. But the problem is real and will not go away. I even think it is increasing, ”he says. “More and more people are leaving from the North and going to the South, to Montreal. Resources stretch and become thin. He also salutes the millions of dollars promised by Quebec in this regard.
Indigenous Projects will be holding a lookout at Cabot Square next Monday to “ensure that his death leads to culturally safe housing options for the Inuit community of Montreal.”