An inquiry into the passing of a 27-year-old individual while in detention at Thunder Bay Jail has been delayed following the unexpected demise of his significant other.
Kevin Mamakwa, the nephew of Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, passed away on June 2, 2020. According to the Ontario Coroners Act, inquiries are mandatory for individuals who die while in custody or incarcerated.
The inquiry, initially scheduled to span two weeks, was halted shortly after commencing on Monday. It resumed on Tuesday morning, only to be postponed again. Michael Wilson, the presiding officer, disclosed that Kevin’s partner, the mother of his children, was discovered deceased on Sunday.
“It is clear this is a tragic event for the family. It would not be in anyone’s best interest for the inquiry to proceed at this time,” Wilson stated.
A new date for the proceedings is yet to be determined, with Wilson suggesting a possible continuation in June, six years after Kevin’s passing. The format of the proceedings, whether in-person or virtual, remains uncertain.
Wilson expressed his deepest sympathies to the affected family members, community members, and all impacted by these recent developments.
‘Painful, but necessary process’: NAN
Kevin hailed from Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a secluded Oji-Cree community situated in Treaty 9 territory, approximately 350 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nations in Treaties 9 and 5, jointly released a statement with Kevin’s father, Jonathon Mamakwa, Sol’s brother.
The statement emphasized that revisiting the circumstances of Kevin’s tragic passing would be a painful yet essential process to uncover answers, address systemic issues within the correctional system, and hold relevant parties accountable.
The statement underscored the lack of services and access to care experienced by many First Nations members residing in urban centers across northern Ontario. Despite the temporary postponement, the resolve to obtain necessary answers remained unwavering.
Sol, in his capacity as MPP, has advocated for the closure of Thunder Bay Jail due to safety concerns. The existing jail and correctional center will remain operational as the construction of a new 345-bed correctional complex in the city progresses to address overcrowding at Thunder Bay correctional facilities.
Province considers eliminating mandatory jail inquiries
In a coroner’s inquiry, witnesses provide details about the circumstances surrounding an individual’s demise. A five-person jury then identifies the deceased, the time and place of death, the medical cause of death, and the means of death. The jury categorizes the cause of death and may issue recommendations to prevent future fatalities.
Kevin’s inquiry was anticipated to span 10 days and feature testimony from approximately 15 witnesses.
Ontario is soliciting feedback on a potential amendment to the Coroners Act that might replace obligatory inquiries into jail deaths with coroner-led annual reviews. If annual reviews are implemented, inquiries could still be conducted at the request of families or when deemed necessary by the chief coroner, according to Saddam Khussain, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
