Protector Brother’s Hope for Justice: Ruthann’s Inquest Decision Leaves Family With Unanswered Questions
Jordan Quequish has always been a protector of his sisters. As he concluded the inquest into the tragic death of his youngest sister, Ruthann, he gathered his strength and expressed the hope that others will be spared from the same heart-wrenching pain that his family has endured.
The emotional proceedings unfolded over three intense weeks in Thunder Bay, Ont., more than seven years after Ruthann’s passing at the age of 31. The jury, comprised of five individuals, listened to testimony from 22 witnesses before reaching a verdict: Ruthann died on April 1, 2017, in her home community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, due to undiagnosed and untreated diabetic ketoacidosis.
The jury deemed the means of Ruthann’s death as “undetermined,” highlighting systemic issues rather than attributing it to homicide, suicide, accident, or natural causes. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) advocated for Ruthann’s death to be classified as a homicide, emphasizing the deficiencies in healthcare services in under-serviced communities.
The family’s plea for justice was reflected in the 42 recommendations provided by the jurors, aiming to overhaul the health-care system to prevent similar tragedies. The focus was on enhancing diabetes care, patient advocacy, and empowering communities like Kingfisher Lake with more autonomy over their health services.
In a poignant moment, Jordan Quequish expressed his frustration with the verdict, emphasizing the ongoing neglect, racism, and chronic underfunding that led to Ruthann’s untimely death. With the weight of broken promises heavy on his heart, Jordan urged for a change in how First Nations communities are treated within the healthcare system.
Despite the setback of the undetermined verdict, the family and supporters remain determined to push for change and ensure Ruthann’s legacy leads to tangible improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality on First Nations reserves.
The inquest also shed light on challenges faced by remote communities like Kingfisher Lake, where access to medical professionals is limited. The jury recommended solutions such as secure funding for essential health programs, the implementation of a sustainable healthcare infrastructure, and the establishment of support systems for patients navigating the healthcare system.
Moving forward, the quest for justice continues as the community seeks to honor Ruthann’s memory by implementing the inquest’s recommendations and working towards ensuring the future generations receive the healthcare they deserve.
As
Jordan Quequish has always been a protector of his sisters. As he concluded the inquest into the tragic death of his youngest sister, Ruthann, he gathered his strength and expressed the hope that others will be spared from the same heart-wrenching pain that his family has endured.
The emotional proceedings unfolded over three intense weeks in Thunder Bay, Ont., more than seven years after Ruthann’s passing at the age of 31. The jury, comprised of five individuals, listened to testimony from 22 witnesses before reaching a verdict: Ruthann died on April 1, 2017, in her home community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, due to undiagnosed and untreated diabetic ketoacidosis.
The jury deemed the means of Ruthann’s death as “undetermined,” highlighting systemic issues rather than attributing it to homicide, suicide, accident, or natural causes. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) advocated for Ruthann’s death to be classified as a homicide, emphasizing the deficiencies in healthcare services in under-serviced communities.
The family’s plea for justice was reflected in the 42 recommendations provided by the jurors, aiming to overhaul the health-care system to prevent similar tragedies. The focus was on enhancing diabetes care, patient advocacy, and empowering communities like Kingfisher Lake with more autonomy over their health services.
In a poignant moment, Jordan Quequish expressed his frustration with the verdict, emphasizing the ongoing neglect, racism, and chronic underfunding that led to Ruthann’s untimely death. With the weight of broken promises heavy on his heart, Jordan urged for a change in how First Nations communities are treated within the healthcare system.
Despite the setback of the undetermined verdict, the family and supporters remain determined to push for change and ensure Ruthann’s legacy leads to tangible improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality on First Nations reserves.
The inquest also shed light on challenges faced by remote communities like Kingfisher Lake, where access to medical professionals is limited. The jury recommended solutions such as secure funding for essential health programs, the implementation of a sustainable healthcare infrastructure, and the establishment of support systems for patients navigating the healthcare system.
Moving forward, the quest for justice continues as the community seeks to honor Ruthann’s memory by implementing the inquest’s recommendations and working towards ensuring the future generations receive the healthcare they deserve.
As
