THUNDER BAY, ON: The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council and Jonathon Mamakwa, father of the late Kevin Mamakwa, have issued the following statement regarding the postponement of the inquest that was set to get underway in Thunder Bay this week:
“The Presiding Coroner has determined that a recent family tragedy experienced by the Mamakwa family has made it impossible for them to continue participating in the inquest at this time. Their participation is crucial to the process, and we support the Court’s carefully considered decision to delay this inquest.
Reliving the circumstances around Kevin’s tragic passing will be a painful, but necessary process that will help provide answers to Kevin’s tragic passing, and explore systemic issues within the correction system and hold the appropriate people and institutions accountable.
This includes the lack of services and access to care that many First Nations members experience while living in urban centres across northern Ontario.
It was necessary to temporarily postpone these proceedings, but this does not lessen our resolve to get the answers we need. We know there are many other First Nations members, especially young people, who are asking for help and not receiving the care they need.
We appreciate that the Court has taken the family’s needs into consideration during this difficult time. We look forward to participating fully when the inquest resumes.”
Kevin Mamakwa, 27, died on June 2, 2020, while in custody at the Thunder Bay Jail. The inquest was scheduled to begin January 26, 2026, in Thunder Bay. It has been postponed until a later date.
