THUNDER BAY -- Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay returned to the witness stand Thursday, as Phase 2 of the inquest into the tragic deaths of seven Aboriginal students attending high school in this city continues.
The students had all relocated from their remote communities to attend high school in Thunder Bay. Witness testimony in the first phase of the inquest revealed an apparent mistrust of the Thunder Bay Police by teenagers from Aboriginal communities.
The jury heard that many First Nations youth are hesitant to reach out to police with any concerns they may have.
A lawyer representing six remote First Nations asked if recruiting more Aboriginal officers could help build rapport between City Police and First Nations people.
Hay confirmed that such recruitment efforts are in place.
The court also heard from Norma Kejick, Executive Director of Northern Nishnawbe Education Council.
She says accessible education for First Nations youth is important.
She referred to a recent study that showed 400 teenagers within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are not attending school at this time.
(TBT News)
