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 their significant other. The late individual, Kevin Mamakwa, who is the nephew of Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, passed away on June 2, 2020. According to the Ontario Coroners Act, inquiries are compulsory for individuals who perish in custody or prison.
Initially set to span two weeks, the inquiry was briefly halted soon after commencing on Monday, later resuming on Tuesday only to be postponed again. The reason cited was the recent death of Kevin’s partner, the mother of his children. Presiding officer Michael Wilson expressed that proceeding under such circumstances would not be in the best interest of the family or the inquiry.
A new date for the inquiry is yet to be decided, with Wilson suggesting a potential resumption in June, marking six years since Kevin’s passing. It remains uncertain whether the proceedings will be conducted in person or virtually. Wilson extended his heartfelt condolences to all affected family members, community members, and individuals impacted by these recent events.
Kevin, who belonged to Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a remote Oji-Cree community around 350 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout in Treaty 9 territory, was known for his active involvement in sports. Sol Mamakwa, in an interview on CBC’s Superior Morning in June 2020, described Kevin as someone deeply engaged in sports activities while also grappling with mental health and addiction challenges.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), representing 49 First Nations in Treaties 9 and 5, along with Kevin’s father, Jonathon Mamakwa, issued a joint statement emphasizing the painful yet essential nature of the process to seek answers and address systemic issues within the correctional system. They highlighted the lack of services and care accessibility for many First Nations members in northern Ontario urban centers.
Sol Mamakwa, as an MPP, has advocated for the closure of Thunder Bay Jail due to safety concerns, even as the construction of a new 345-bed correctional complex progresses in the city. The existing jail and correctional center will remain operational to tackle overcrowding in Thunder Bay correctional facilities.
In the context of a coroner’s inquiry, witnesses provide details surrounding a person’s passing, following which a jury identifies crucial aspects like the cause and manner of death, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Kevin’s inquiry was initially slated for a 10-day duration and expected to feature testimonies from approximately 15 witnesses.
Ontario is contemplating amending the Coroners Act to potentially replace mandatory inquests into jail deaths with coroner-led annual reviews. This amendment, if implemented, would still allow for inquests upon family request or at the discretion of the chief coroner.