For many in Ottawa, the Rideau-Sussex pedestrian underpass is a sidewalk. For a group of Inuit without homes, it’s the Circle — a place where they have gathered, supported each other and slept for more than 30 years. “This place has history with us,” said Nick Illauq, co-founder of Ottawa Inuit Circle, in an interview. “It’s a mausoleum.”
The group met at the Circle June 30 to remember and share stories about their past members over plates of bannock and Arctic char.
In a way, the gathering was also a protest because, Illauq says, Inuit are no longer welcome in the area. During the last two months, police have increased patrols, issued tickets, erected a “no loitering” sign and removed unhoused Inuit from the underpass, he said.
The effect: Illauq says Inuit are less safe, as those who would typically be together at the underpass are scattered across the city. They now frequent locations such as Dundonald Park, a bus stop near the Odawa Native Friendship Center and Rideau Street.