The community of Opitciwan is hit by an unprecedented wave of deaths. Since the beginning of the year, approximately thirty people have lost their lives, including nine this fall alone, leading to the creation of a crisis unit to support Atikamekw families.
There is great collective sadness in the small community north of La Tuque. Jolène Chachai recently lost two members of her family.
“We are in shock every time we hear bad news. “It touches the heart,” she confessed.
In most cases, the victims died of illness. A ten-year-old child died in an accident when a tree hit him. Speakers from Manawan and Wemotaci communities came to support the grieving Atikamekw families.
“We have one-on-one meetings. People are very demoralized. We try to support them and give them the tools to get through it. Given the number of deaths, this is not easy to accept,” said Marcel Petiquay.
The 2,500-resident community is being put on hold. Both schools will be closed until Tuesday to give students and teachers time to reflect.
“It’s difficult. We all know each other. We see each other every day. When tragic events like this happen, it affects the entire community,” said community leader Jean-Claude Mequish.