Chisasibi residents aid families affected by fatal house fire

People in Chisasibi, Que., are raising money and collecting household items for the families affected by Wednesday's fatal fire.

SamuelKawapit, 40,was found dead following afire at the home of JimmyEkoomiakWednesday morningin the community of 4,500 on the James Bay coast of Quebec.Others were taken to theChisasibihospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Derek Olive, a Montreal-born singer-songwriter based in Chisasibi, turned last night's scheduled performance into a fundraiser when he heard that one person had died and several others had lost everything in the house fire.

• Listen to Derek Olive's interview with Cree Radio (Cree/English)

"I know some of the people in the house so I wanted to do something," Olive said.

Community members brought clothes, blankets and household items to Chisasibi's Retro Daze Caf during the packed show.

"People need somewhere to get together," Olive said.

"You need to have ways that people can share their feelings and feel loved and grateful to be somewhere else."

Donations can also be dropped off at theChisasibiHospital.

Because the death is considered suspicious, Quebec's provincial police are investigating.