Waswanipi victims, who are currently being held at the Center de Foires and various hotels in Quebec City, are calling Remparts coach Patrick Roy to ask him and his team to visit and cheer up the affected community.
“If you hear that, please come and see us. We’d love to chat and take photos with the players,” said Romeo Ottereyes, a Waswanipi victim who was a guest at the Center de Expositions.
He also discussed it with Quebec Mayor Bruno Marchand.
“I told her I know this team that just won the Memorial Cup and we would like her to come visit and cheer us up. We don’t always know the hardships of people who have left their homes and families. “Some families got separated when they got on the buses that brought us here,” Mr Ottereyes continues.
No visit has been announced at this time, but Mr Ottereyes believes the children would particularly enjoy it. The team were also in town on Thursday when they were welcomed by the National Assembly, which wished to honor their Memorial Cup victory.
If the victim shows resilience, they certainly feel grief for their community.
“I’m thinking of my family, of everyone I love. Some left their dogs at home. It’s difficult for her. Everyone is tired because they were unsure whether we would evacuate before the boss made the decision,” he admits.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Jerome Rupert with his as yet unnamed puppy, along with his brother Mario Rupert Jr. with his dog named Princess. The two Waswanipi victims were very careful with the two small animals, who were visibly shaken by the situation.
Remarkable resilience
Despite palpable emotions, the resilience of the people of Waswanipi was remarkable. Many of them stayed positive and kept smiling.
“My family and I did not panic during the evacuation. We did what we had to do. We got ready, packed our things and left,” says Whea Neaceppo, also affected.
Still, he admits to having felt concerns in this fear-inducing situation.
“Hundreds of people shouldn’t panic at the same time. When people panic, they do anything,” he says.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Whea Neaceppo, a Waswapini victim, arrived in Quebec with his family last night.
Mr Neaceppo left just after 5pm on Wednesday. He arrived in Quebec around midnight.
“And here we are,” he says, smiling.
For his part, Austin Cheezo, who also had to leave his community with his family, took the initiative to help welcome the victims of his community.
“I help coordinate housing allocation and dispatching people. I also help and support the people here,” says Mr. Cheezo.
He is also accompanied by Milo, a one-year-old golden retriever who has definitely taken on the role of animal therapist.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Opening of an animal shelter in Quebec for victims of Waswanipi, Thursday, June 8, 2023. Austin Cheezo and his dog Milo. STEVENS LEBLANC/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC/QMI AGENCY)