An inquiry into the passing of a 27-year-old individual while detained 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, investigations are compulsory for individuals who perish in custody or jail.
The inquiry, scheduled for the next two weeks, was adjourned shortly after commencing on Monday. It was reconvened on Tuesday morning, where presiding officer Michael Wilson disclosed that it had been postponed due to the passing of Kevin’s partner.
Wilson stated, “This is a tragic event for the family. It would not be appropriate to proceed with the inquiry at this time.” A new date for the proceedings has yet to be determined, but Wilson mentioned that they might resume in June, six years after Kevin’s demise. The format of the proceedings, whether in person or virtual, remains uncertain.
Offering his condolences, Wilson expressed, “My deepest sympathies to the impacted family members, community members, and all affected by this recent turn of events.”
Kevin, a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a remote Oji-Cree community in Treaty 9 territory located about 350 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout, was actively involved in sports. Sol, in an interview on CBC’s Superior Morning in June 2020, described Kevin as someone deeply engaged in sports while also facing mental health and addiction challenges.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a political territorial group representing 49 First Nations in Treaties 9 and 5, issued a joint statement on Tuesday with Kevin’s father, Jonathon Mamakwa, emphasizing the importance of the inquiry in uncovering systemic issues within the correctional system and ensuring accountability.
The statement highlighted the necessity of postponing the proceedings temporarily, emphasizing the resolve to seek the required answers despite the delay. As Sol, the MPP, has advocated for the closure of Thunder Bay Jail due to safety concerns, the current jail and correctional center will remain operational to address overcrowding concerns as construction progresses on a new 345-bed correctional complex in the city.
In a coroner’s inquest, witnesses provide details regarding the circumstances surrounding a person’s decease, followed by a jury identifying the individual, cause, and manner of death. The jury determines the classification of death and may make recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Originally planned for a 10-day duration with approximately 15 witnesses, Kevin’s inquiry was expected to offer insights into the circumstances of his passing.
Ontario is exploring a potential amendment to the Coroners Act that could replace mandatory inquests into jail deaths with coroner-conducted annual reviews. This amendment, if implemented, would still allow for inquests upon families’ requests or when deemed necessary by the chief coroner.