The Inquest into deaths of seven First Nations youth began on October 5, 2015 and investigated the deaths of: Jethro Anderson, Reggie Bushie, Robyn Harper, Kyle Morrisseau, Paul Panacheese, Curran Strang and Jordan Wabasse. The purpose of the Inquest was to determine why these youths died and what can be done to prevent related deaths in the future.
The Seven Youth Inquest began on October 5, 2015 and ended in June 28, 2016. As a result the Seven Youth Inquest – 145 Recommendations where made, in which 22 were directed to Keewaytinook Okimakanak.
Recommendations: 6, 7, 17, 49, 64, 65, 71, 73, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 90, 91, 107, 114, 115, 117, 143, 145.
Seventh Generation Memorial Scholarship
Recommendation #6: In order to commemorate the lives of Jethro Anderson, Curran Strang, Paul Panacheese, Robyn Harper, Reggie Bushie, Kyle Morriseau and Jordan Wabasse, and in consultation with their families, memorial scholarships should be awarded to students in high school who excel at the talents in which the seven youths were gifted.
The Seventh Generation Memorial Scholarship (SGMS) was established in 2017. Funding for these presentations has been ongoing. Ministry of Education’s has committed to multi-year funding of this initiative that will see the presentations through 2023.
Children And Youth Identification Inquest Recommendation
As per Recommendation #17 – The Child and Youth Identification coordinator will focus on working with the KO First Nations and KOBE, in assisting children and youth in attaining their Ontario identification. As children and youth transition from their local elementary school and attend secondary school off-reserve, their identification is a critical piece of information that is necessary to ensure a seamless provision of supports and services while they are away from home.
Circle Of Care Inquest Recommendation:
As per Recommendation #71 & #87, KO has developed a Circle of Care model for students who attend high school away from their families and home communities. This model will address mental health concerns, access to specialized services, continuity of care when at home/school, and educational/cultural supports that provide students with the continued land-based teachings of their families and communities.
KO continues to develop its Continuum of Care framework that will involve multiple parties at the Tribal Council and First Nation level to develop a plan for returning students to continue their education, and for ongoing support of their health/mental health plan of care.