Ullivik Warns Inuit About Suspicious Drivers Offering Rides at Montreal Airport
Concern is mounting at the Ullivik lodging center in Montreal’s West Island, as reports emerge of suspicious individuals approaching Inuit travelers at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, offering them rides.
Unmarked Vehicles Raising Red Flags
The center, which provides lodging and support to Inuit travelling south for medical care, recently received reports regarding a white van and a white taxi attempting to persuade Inuit to get into their vehicles. These unsettling incidents prompted the center to issue a warning to its clients.
“She knew that it was not right because we have all of our vans marked,” stated Rita Novalinga, Ullivik’s executive director, recalling the experience of a client who was approached by someone trying to lure her into an unmarked van with dark windows.
A Stark Reality for Inuit Arriving in Larger Cities
While Ullivik operates its own shuttle service and partners with Taxi Hits to offer reliable transportation to clients, Novalinga expressed her concern, particularly as security for Inuit travelers in larger cities remains an ongoing challenge.
“We just want to make sure everybody is safe here,” Novalinga asserted, adding that some Inuit arrive from communities of 200, 400, or 800 people, a stark contrast to the sprawling urban environment of Montreal. “It’s like coming to a different country because of all the changes.”
Concerns Over Vulnerability to Exploitation
Novalinga believes the drivers of these vehicles may be attempting to exploit the unfamiliar surroundings and potential vulnerability of Inuit travelers. “It feels like this population is being targeted,” said Nakuset, the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, echoing Novalinga’s worries. “It’s alarming.”
Beyond the Airport: A Larger Issue of Exploitation
Nakuset highlighted that the situation at the airport is just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to a broader problem of Inuit being targeted when they age out of the youth protection system or enter the shelter system.
“They’re picked up by people that are doing human trafficking, pulling them into the sex trade and it’s absolutely devastating,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Something needs to be done and there needs to be an outcry. If there was a large enough alert about it, then people can be ready.”
Proactive Measures and Ongoing Dialogue with Authorities
Ullivik maintains a strong rapport with local police, engaging in monthly meetings to address security concerns and share information. The center has taken proactive steps to inform clients about the suspicious activity, posting notices in strategic areas.
Despite the unsettling news, Novalinga is determined to ensure that clients feel safe and empowered to seek crucial medical care. “Nobody needs to be scared,” she reassured. “We’re here to support our community.”
What specific actions can be taken to improve security measures at transportation hubs like Montreal-Trudeau International Airport to better protect Inuit travelers?
## Keeping Inuit Safe: An Interview with Ullivik’s Executive Director
**Interviewer:** We’re here today to discuss a worrying trend emerging at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. Rita Novalinga, Executive Director of Ullivik lodging center, joins us to shed light on this issue. Rita, thank you for being here.
**Rita Novalinga:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us what prompted Ullivik to issue a safety warning to its clients?
**Rita Novalinga:** We’ve recently received reports of individuals approaching Inuit travelers at the airport, offering them rides in unmarked vehicles, including a white van and a white taxi. This is incredibly concerning because it puts our clients at risk. [[1](https://montreal-news.org/cbc/coroner-calls-for-review-of-security-measures-at-inuit-center-following-deaths-of-2-women/)]
**Interviewer:** What makes these incidents particularly alarming?
**Rita Novalinga:** Inuit travelers are especially vulnerable in larger cities. They are often unfamiliar with the surroundings and may not speak the language fluently. The lack of recognizable identification on these vehicles and the urgency with which people are being approached raises a huge red flag. Luckily, one of our clients recognized something was wrong because we clearly mark all our vans.
**Interviewer:**
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety of Inuit travelers?
**Rita Novalinga:** Ullivik offers a reliable shuttle service and partners with Taxi Hits, a reputable taxi company, to transport our clients. We urge everyone to avoid unmarked vehicles and only accept rides from authorized transportation services. We’re also working closely with airport authorities and local law enforcement to address this issue.
**Interviewer:** This situation highlights a larger concern about the safety of Inuit travelers in urban settings. What needs to be done to better protect them?
**Rita Novalinga:** This is a complex issue with no easy solutions. We need increased awareness about the unique vulnerabilities faced by Inuit travelers. Enhanced security measures at transportation hubs are crucial, as are culturally-sensitive support services to help them navigate unfamiliar environments. Ultimately, it takes a collaborative effort from communities, organizations, and government agencies to create safer spaces for Inuit who travel south for essential healthcare.
**Interviewer:** Rita Novalinga, thank you for sharing your insights and for the work you do at Ullivik.
