Inquest into death of Kingfisher Lake man in Thunder Bay jail begins
Presiding officer Dr. Michael Wilson has begun the inquest into the death of Kevin Mamakwa.
Mamakwa, a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, died at the Thunder Bay Jail in June of 2020. He was 27 years old. Mamakwa had four children and was the nephew of Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa.
Dr. Wilson defined the scope of the inquest to the jury Monday morning.
Per the Coroner’s Act, Wilson is looking to identify who Kevin Mamakwa was, how he died, and the means by which he came to his death.
Importantly, this is not a legal inquest. The jury is called upon to make recommendations to avoid further deaths, not to assign blame or legal repercussions.
Wilson said the inquest will explore the following to identify the facts and circumstances of Mamakwa’s death:
- Intake processes for inmates at the Thunder Bay Jail, including assessment of suicide risk
- Assessment and treatment of opioid withdrawal
- Visibility within the jail for faculty to assess potential for self-harm behaviour
- Precautions regarding risk of disease transmission during resuscitation efforts
- Emergency responses to medical incidents at the jail
- Indigenous services and supports for inmates
By the end of the inquest, the jury will categorize Mamawka’s death as either natural, accidental, suicide, homicide or undetermined. The decision does not need to be unanimous, only a majority.
Legal counsel Robert Kozak shared the schedule for the inquest.
Fifteen people are scheduled to testify, including:
- Mamakwa’s father
- Mamakwa’s sister
- Kingfisher Lake Grand Chief Eddie Mamawka
- Thunder Bay Jail Superintendent Ryland Forrest
- The forensic pathologist assigned to Mamakwa’s case
- The Thunder Bay Jail health care manager at the time of Mamakwa’s death
- Multiple correctional officers who interacted with Mamawka during his intake
The court will also listen to an interview with Mamakwa’s cellmate. Surveillance footage around the time of Mamakwa’s death and a note found on Mamakwa’s person will come before the jury as well.
The inquest will be held at 189 Red River Road. It is expected to last nine days.
Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings online can do so here.
