Justice for Traevon Desjarlais-Chalifoux

On September 14th, 2020, 17-year-old Traevon Desjarlais-Chalifoux was reported missing from a group home in Abbotsford. On September 18th, he was found dead in his bedroom by police. He had been dead for four days before they found him. His mother, Samantha Chalifoux, was notified of his death by police officers who came to her home. By the following day, the group home staff and Traevon’s Social Worker, the people responsible for his day-to-day care, would no longer respond to her messages. Samantha asked to pick up all his belongings, but his clothes, hats, and shoes were all thrown out in a dumpster. The few items of Traevon’s that were given to her included a backpack and a small box of belongings. It was deemed that no autopsy was necessary, even though his mother begged for one in her search for answers. Only after she found a lawyer was this decision overturned.

Six months later, Samantha still does not have any answers to her most basic questions about her son’s death, and the many agencies she has asked for information have claimed that they cannot answer her questions. Her lawyer is no longer able to represent her without being paid, and she is now facing financial barriers to justice. Samantha’s main priority is advocating for critical systemic change so that other families do not have to suffer the loss of a child like she did.

My ties to Traevon and his maternal family began in his mom’s home community of Driftpile in Northern Alberta 16 ½ years ago. His great-aunt Theresa Campiou became a mentor and supporter of mine during my two years teaching there. Theresa and her daughter Shawna are joining me in hosting this campaign to raise the funds needed to bring justice for Traevon.

100% of the money raised will assist Samantha with legal representation and support to investigate the agency and group home responsible for Traevon’s care and push for changes in these agencies, as well as investigate the poor treatment that Samantha received following her son’s death. Donations of any size are deeply appreciated. Even taking the time to share this on your social media will help bring justice for Traevon, and for other children and youth who fall through the cracks in the child welfare system. 

We stand with Samantha Chalifoux and the rest of the family as we plead for change and we are very grateful for your support!