The Raphaël André Memorial Tent is an Indigenous led initiative managed by Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal in response to the death of Raphaël “Napa” André, an Innu man who passed tragically as a result of shut down services during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many years, Cabot Square has served as a community gathering place for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in downtown Montréal. This is a temporary solution to an ongoing lack of permanent resources for people experiencing homelessness, but it serves to address the immediate needs of those seeking shelter, food and community in the overnight cold of the winter months.
Media
Who was Raphaël “Napa” André? LaPresse “Un « homme bon » piégé par ses démons” (French only)
The Rover, Christopher Curtis, December 7 2021 Thoughts and Prayers in Cabot Square
APTN News Jan 29 2021 “Raphael Andre memorialized in ceremonies across Quebec”
Richochet Media April 23 2021 “Montreal’s tent shelter saved lives. Now it’s gone.”
CTV News Jul 2 2021 “Calls for Cabot Square's Raphael Andre warming tent to be permanent”