Noelle O’Soup memorial destroyed by fire
Posted September 1, 2022 5:31 pm.
Last Updated September 1, 2022 5:32 pm.
A memorial for an Indigenous teen found dead on the Downtown Eastside has been destroyed by fire.
Fourteen-year-old Noelle O’Soup was found on May 1 in an apartment building after being reported missing in May of 2021.
The memorial in Noelle’s honour was set up right outside the building where her remains were found, on the corner of East Hastings and Heatley Avenue.
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‘We’re in a state of emergency’: Vigil held for Indigenous teen Noelle O’Soup
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Missing Indigenous teenage girl from Port Coquitlam found dead in Vancouver
Almost a year after Noelle was reported missing, police confirmed on June 22 she was found dead. Her family was informed June 6.
The circumstances surrounding her death are not clear and foul play has not been ruled out at this point, according to police.
In late June, Lorelei Williams, an organizer with Butterflies in Spirit, says the family asked her and her organization to arrange a vigil for the 14-year-old Noelle.
A private vigil was already held, and the family felt having a public vigil was the right decision.
“(The family) wanted a public one because they want to raise awareness of this issue. They want people to know that something terrible has happened to Noelle and they want answers. They have a lot of questions that need to be answered,” says Williams.
Williams said a meeting with Vancouver police took place, but the numerous missing Indigenous women is sending shockwaves through the community.
“It’s very disturbing. It’s very frustrating. There’s something terrible happening. There’s always something horrible happening to our Indigenous women and girls.”
“We’re in a state of emergency. Our Indigenous women and girls are in a state of emergency, our Indigenous women and girls need to be protected. There’s a high rate of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.”
