THUNDER BAY — Proceedings for the coroner’s inquest into the deaths of 7 First Nations youth who died while attending school in Thunder Bay resumed on Monday.
Hearings began with Northwest Local Health Integration Network CEO Laura Kococinski addressing if culturally appropriate services were available to provide the youth with support.
The inquest experienced a delay last week while lawyers for the coroner and other parties need to discuss procedural issues and other legal matters pertaining to the proceedings.
The inquest is examining the deaths of seven youth:
• Jethro Anderson, 15, from Kasabonika Lake First Nation.
• Curran Strang, 18, from Pikangikum First Nation.
• Paul Panacheese, 21, from Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
• Robyn Harper, 18, from Keewaywin First Nation.
• Reggie Bushie, 15, from Poplar Hill First Nation.
• Kyle Morriseau, 17, from Keewaywin First Nation.
• Jordan Wabasse, 15, from Webequie First Nation.
All of the students came to Thunder Bay from these First Nations communities for high school and died while in the city from 2000-2011.
So far over 52 days of evidence and contextual analysis has been heard. This Monday marked the start of the third phase of the inquest, hearing evidence that will help the jury draft realistic recommendations for implementation at the conclusion of the inquest.
Proceedings are expected to conclude March 31st.
