Inquest second phase to examine multiple issues including racism in city

THUNDER BAY – The coroner’s inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations students is now in its second phase.

The first phase, which examined the individual circumstances of the death of each student between 2000 and 2011, concluded Monday morning at the Thunder Bay Courthouse.

The inquest, which is probing the deaths of Jethro Anderson, Curran Strang, Paul Panacheese, Robyn Harper, Reggie Bushie, Kyle Morriseau and Jordan Wabasse, began in October.

All seven were from remote First Nations communities and attending high school in Thunder Bay before they met their deaths between 2000 and 2011.

The first phase heard testimony from a forensic pathologist and toxicologist who both provided information about the causes of death for the seven students, as well as family, friends, teachers and investigators who were involved with each of the youth.

The final witness of the first phase was Thunder Bay Police Service Insp. Don Lewis, who said the investigation into Wabasse’s disappearance was “equal to or greater” than a standard investigation. He said investigators received more than 80 tips, all of which were followed up.

Despite at least two different theories foul play might have been a factor in the death of the 15-year-old from Webequie First Nation, Lewis said there was no reasonable grounds a crime had been committed and there was no evidence of connection to gangs.

Coroner’s counsel Karen Shea said the second phase will focus on issues such as the home communities for each of the students, the exchange of information between parents, boarding home parents and education authorities, community searches, jurisdiction and racism in Thunder Bay.