Summit Sisters, a female roofing group from Canada, volunteered in Jamaica to repair hurricane damage, with seven members assisting in relief efforts
Summit Sisters Help Repair Hurricane Damage in Jamaica
Summit Sisters, a group of female roofers from Canada, are in Jamaica this week. They are helping to repair roofs and other damage caused by a hurricane last year.
Founder Samanntha De Coteau, a Cree woman from Whitefish Lake First Nation in Alberta, formed the group in 2022. She needed help with a big job.
The group now has 12 roofers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Seven of them volunteered for the Jamaica relief efforts this week.
“We’re so happy to come help the community out here,” said De Coteau.
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, hit Jamaica in late October. It killed at least 45 people and caused widespread destruction.
Kit Andrew, founder of CanJam Relief Mission, was in Canada when the hurricane struck on October 28.
“One of the reasons I moved to Jamaica is they don’t really have hurricanes there very often, so it’s a safe place to be,” he said. “Then we find ourselves amidst one of the worst hurricanes on record.”
Support and Donations
Andrew invited Summit Sisters to help. The women paid for their own flights. Donations from organizations like Operation Blessing cover the tools and materials.
Andrew hopes Summit Sisters can repair as many houses as possible during their 10-day stay.
He praised Jamaica for inspiring the world with music, sports, and inventions. He called the island one of the most magical places he has visited.
“It’s our turn to give something back,” said Andrew. “I’m honoured and blessed to help this beautiful country and these beautiful people.”
Personal Stories from Summit Sisters
Summit Sisters received tools and materials from Operation Blessing to repair local housing. Jade Shepherd, from White Bear First Nation and living in Regina, joined the group in 2022.
Shepherd was in demolition and carpentry. Watching De Coteau’s videos inspired her to become a residential roofing foreman.
“[De Coteau] stands for women in roofing and women in trades,” said Shepherd.
She noted that young girls admire them when they work together, especially because they wear pink.
Shepherd wanted to help in Jamaica after seeing communities without running water or air conditioning. She feels that traveling with fellow female roofers is amazing and that their work changes lives.
“I cry on every single Summit Sisters trip because it’s more than I could ever ask for,” said Shepherd. “It’s something amazing to be a part of and to spread good in the world.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Group Name | Summit Sisters |
| Founder | Samanntha De Coteau |
| Location of Founder | Ontario |
| Number of Roofers | 12 |
| Volunteers in Jamaica | 7 |
| Hurricane Name | Hurricane Melissa |
| Date of Hurricane | October 28 |
| Deaths from Hurricane | At least 45 |
| Duration of Stay | 10 days |
