Death of Joyce Echaquan

Joyce Echaquan restored version

Death of Joyce Echaquan

The Death of Joyce Echaquan occurred on September 28, 2020, at the Joliette Hospital in Quebec, Canada. Joyce Echaquan, an Indigenous woman from the Atikamekw Nation, recorded a video of herself being subjected to racist insults and mistreatment by hospital staff before her death.

Background

Joyce Echaquan, a 37-year-old mother of seven, sought medical treatment at the Joliette Hospital for stomach pain. She had a history of heart problems and was known to have a heart condition.

Incident

While in the hospital, Joyce Echaquan used her phone to livestream a video on Facebook in which she was heard screaming in pain and being insulted by hospital staff. The video captured staff members making derogatory and racist remarks towards her.

Response

The video of Joyce Echaquan's mistreatment sparked outrage across Canada and led to calls for justice and accountability. Indigenous leaders and activists condemned the incident as a clear example of systemic racism in the healthcare system.

Investigation

Following Joyce Echaquan's death, an investigation was launched to examine the circumstances surrounding her treatment at the hospital. The investigation aimed to determine whether there was negligence or misconduct on the part of the hospital staff.

Legacy

The death of Joyce Echaquan highlighted the ongoing issues of racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada's healthcare system. It also prompted discussions about the need for cultural competency training and anti-racism initiatives in healthcare settings.