MCK offers Condolences to family and community of Joyce Echaquan

10/06/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that it has sent A Letter of Condolence to the family of Joyce Echaquan, and to the leadership of the Atikamekw Nation.

Joyce Echaquan was an Atikamekw woman who passed away last week while in hospital in Joliette, Quebec, The MCK wishes to emphasize that Kahnawà:ke has joined thousands, if not millions, of people – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – in offering love and support to her family and friends during this extremely difficult and emotional time. As stated in the letter, the MCK is hopeful that the unfortunate circumstances of her final hours can serve as inspiration for change. For far too long, Indigenous people have been victims of racism. While this in itself is deplorable it is even more alarming that, in this instance, some of the very people who are responsible to care for the sick were guilty of such hateful actions.

As Joyce enters the Spirit World, may her family find comfort in the sympathy from people across Turtle Island. Perhaps her actions will ensure that those who follow may never have to experience the racism that she faced with such bravery and resolve.

The letter will be signed by all the elected Ratitsénhaienhs. Click here to view the letter.