Montreal court case postponed for man charged with neglecting remains of Inuk woman

One of the men accused of improperly handling human remains after the body of an Indigenous woman was found in his home last year was expected at a Montreal courthouse Wednesday, but the case was postponed to April.

The body of 41-year-old Alasie Tukkiapik of Nunavik was found in the home of Nicodemo and his brother Francesco Sansalone in September 2023, police say. She had been missing for several months.

Nicodemo was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday – a hearing to set up preliminary evidence and outline the next steps of the case, according to the Iskweu Project, part of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.

It was postponed until April 4.

“Alasie Tukkiapik was a proud Inuk woman, a mother, a sister, friend, aunt, and daughter,” the woman’s family said in a statement through the Iskweu Project. “Her joy and warmth were palpable to all those who knew her. Her life ended tragically and in a dehumanizing way.”

Laura Aguiar, a project coordinator at Iskweu, says Tukkiapik’s family will keep pushing for answers.

“They will continue to seek justice for Alasie,” Iskweu told CityNews. “And they will continue to put pressure on this case. And on our part at Iskweu, we’ll continue to support the family in any way we possibly can in their pursuit for justice and in seeking accountability for what happened to Alasie.”

Tukkiapik’s and the Iskweu Project are accusing Montreal police of “mishandling” the case, claiming their attempts to file a police report were dismissed for more than two weeks when she was missing. Police allegedly told Tukkiapik’s mother and sister the woman was “not in imminent danger.”

“This has been a really difficult process for the family.”

—Laura Aguiar, a project coordinator at Iskweu

Montreal police told CityNews “verifications will be made with the units concerned.”

“The SPVM and its investigators supported the family throughout the investigation and this support will continue during the legal process,” a police spokesperson added.

Tukkiapik’s family alleges it only managed to file a police report once Tukkuapik’s sister, who lives in Alberta, did so with police there.

“Even after her death, the dehumanization and colonial violence continues through police and the so-called justice system,” the family said in its statement. “Her family is forced to cope with the tragic loss of their loved one while also fighting to have Alasie’s life taken seriously. No family should have to do this.

“We are demanding justice for Alasie and answers for her family, friends, and community.”

The family says it wants Montreal police to continue investigating the woman’s death. They also want more violence prevention services for Indigenous women from the Montreal, Quebec and Canadian governments.

“We ask all of those involved in the legal proceedings surrounding Alasie’s death to seek justice and answers for Alasie and her family and to act courageously. Act with the same courage Alasie had in life,” the family wrote.