The Ontario Coroner's Office has decided who will be involved in the inquest into the deaths of seven Aboriginal youth in Thunder Bay.
The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the seven young people in the city, which occurred between 2000 and 2011. Last week, Dr. David Eden handed down his ruling on applications for standing, and there was one interesting omission.
Persons or groups with standing are allowed to legally participate in the inquest and ask questions of witnesses that are called. Families of six of the seven victims have been granted standing.
The exception is the family of Curran Strang. They have chosen to not be involved at this point.
Other groups granted standing include the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, the City of Thunder Bay, the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth and the Attorney-General of Canada.
The Chiefs of Ontario had also applied for standing.
But the Coroner ruled their participation would not provide any unique contribution.
However, the Chiefs were designated as an affected person in the inquest, meaning they'll be able to participate in the proceedings until the jury is sworn in.
They're also able to re-apply for standing at any time.
No date has been set for the start of the inquest, but it is likely to get underway in the Spring of 2014.
(Matt Skube, Thunder Bay Television)
