Presiding coroner Dr. Michael Wilson commenced the inquiry into the fatalities of five individuals resulting from a blastomycosis outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation with a commitment to uncovering the truth. The families of the deceased displayed photographs of their loved ones who succumbed to blastomycosis at a table near the podium in the community hall in the Oji-Cree First Nation, situated west of Hearst, Ontario. The victims, namely Luke Moore, Lorraine Shaganash, Lizzie Sutherland, Mark Ferris, and Douglas Taylor, passed away between Nov. 19, 2021, and Jan. 23, 2022.
Elders Florrie Sutherland and Stands in Water led a prayer and smudging ceremony for all attendees at the inquest, urging individuals to offer tobacco to a sacred fire outside for communication with the Creator. The serene setting by Constance Lake, accompanied by the gentle flapping of a teepee sheltering a sacred fire, provided a calming ambiance. The community hall was filled with families, community members, current and former Constance Lake chiefs, hospital representatives, public health officials, as well as representatives from Ornge and Indigenous Services Canada, along with their legal counsels.
Wilson, addressing the audience and acknowledging the global interest in the event through the livestream, emphasized the importance of seeking answers regarding the untimely deaths of the individuals. He highlighted the aim of the inquiry to shed light on the healthcare system’s shortcomings and the treatment of First Nations people seeking medical assistance while emphasizing the need for better management of healthcare emergencies in indigenous communities beyond their capacity to respond.
The coroner stressed that the inquiry is not about assigning blame but rather about uncovering facts and making recommendations to prevent future tragedies. Wilson emphasized the significance of an inquest in ensuring that no death is disregarded and reiterated the commitment to a more equitable and responsive healthcare system for a brighter future. Shruti Ramesh, a lawyer with the coroner’s office, expressed remorse for the losses incurred by the community and shared insights gathered through community visits regarding the impact of the outbreak.
The testimony began with Arthur Moore, a former chief and father of Luke Moore, recounting memories of his son’s character and the profound impact of his loss on the family. The inquest continued with emotional testimonies from family members of the other deceased individuals, highlighting the devastating consequences of the outbreak on their lives. The inquiry is set to hear from additional witnesses over a span of 25 days to gather comprehensive insights into the blastomycosis outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation.