FNLC OFFERS CONDOLENCES IN THE DEATH OF INFANT IN THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDEApril

April 24, 2020

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of an infant in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside earlier this week and sends sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the mother and all residents of the Downtown Eastside community during this time.

This situation creates deep ripples of grief for a community already faced with many complex and intersecting challenges. The tragic circumstances surrounding this loss of life highlight the many systemic failures that are a reality for many in the Downtown Eastside, and in particular, women and gender-diverse individuals. These issues have been heightened by the current COVID-19 pandemic.