A man from Keeseekoose First Nation, Kenward Strongquill, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing a fatal drunk driving accident on Key First Nation in eastern Saskatchewan on August 24, 2024. The tragic incident involved Strongquill driving his blue pickup truck, striking a father and his three young daughters aged two, four, and five as they walked alongside the road. Tragically, the two-year-old girl lost her life at the scene, while the father and the four-year-old sustained severe injuries, and the five-year-old also suffered harm.
According to a victim impact statement presented in court during Strongquill’s sentencing in November, the father, who passed away in October 2025, could not bear the loss of his daughter. The statement highlighted the immense pain and lasting impact on the family, emphasizing that the harm caused by Strongquill is irreversible.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Strongquill’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he struck the family. The father had attempted to alert Strongquill about his reckless driving, but despite the warning, Strongquill circled back and collided with the family before fleeing the scene. Following his arrest, Strongquill admitted to having consumed marijuana in addition to alcohol.
In his defense, Strongquill’s lawyer stated that his client was unaware of the presence of children with the father at the time of the incident and had no malicious intent when turning his vehicle. Strongquill, a survivor of residential school with a troubled past marked by substance abuse, claimed he was distressed over the loss of his dog on the day of the accident, leading him to seek solace in drugs and alcohol.
Strongquill pleaded guilty to charges of drunk driving causing death and three counts of drunk driving causing bodily harm. Both the prosecution and defense recommended a 10-year prison term, with the judge concurring and imposing a lifetime driving ban in addition to the sentence. The judge emphasized the grave consequences of drinking and driving, underscoring that despite intentions, driving under the influence poses a significant risk of harm and is unacceptable.
