WARNING: This article contains details of abuse.
Dozens of people gathered in front of a Chicoutimi, Que., courthouse on Friday morning before Étienne Latour was charged with manslaughter in relation to Ève Chachai’s death.
The 54-year-old Atikamekw woman from Opitciwan died after she was found unconscious and in critical condition early Monday morning at the Hôtel Le Montagnais, 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.
Chachai was found disfigured and mutilated, according to Radio-Canada, and died in hospital several days later.
On Monday, Latour was arrested and charged with aggravated assault — a charge which has since been withdrawn.
Jean-Claude Mequish, chief of the Opitciwan Atikamekw Council, told CBC News that Latour and Chachai were a couple. He described Chachai as a pleasant, well-known member of the community
The courtroom was filled to capacity as Latour made a brief appearance by video conference.
Anger and sadness among advocates
Chachai’s death has sparked renewed calls to end violence against Indigenous women.
Marjolaine Étienne, the president of advocacy group Quebec Native Women, says what happened to Chachai has reopened old wounds.
“Different emotions come up. It can go from anger to sadness,” said Étienne.
She notes Indigenous women continue to experience higher rates of violence.
“It’s important to denounce it because I think it’s unacceptable in 2024 to have to put up with situations like this,” said Étienne.
“Because it’s not just in our respective circles, but it’s also found in society in general in Quebec.”
The prosecutor, Marie-Ève St-Cyr, told Radio-Canada that this is Latour’s third case relating to “domestic matters,” adding that he “has a similar history dating back several years.”
Latour is expected back in court on Sept. 6.
For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.