KENORA, ON — A Kenora judge has sentenced a Lac Seul First Nation man to 18 months in jail and three years probation for criminal negligence causing death.
The case involved a June 2014 incident on Lac Seul in which a six-person boat carrying eight people was swamped in rough weather, leading to the deaths of three men.
Cameron Angeconeb, 40, had pleaded guilty last year.
According to a transcript of the recent sentencing decision, eight drunken people went onto the water in a fishing boat carrying two life jackets.
At the time, severe winds were causing four to five-foot waves. Although two police officers had expressly warned Angeconeb not go to out on the lake, the party went anyway, intending to buy more liquor.
In his decision, Mr. Justice F.B. Fitzpatrick described Angeconeb's actions as reflecting "wanton and reckless disregard for the lives and the safety of those who joined him in the boat."
However, the judge said he was "impressed by the expressions of remorse" from the man, adding that they were "heartfelt and genuine."
Angeconeb has taken responsibility for his actions and has asked for the forgiveness of the victims' families, he said.
The judge also pointed to mitigating factors which he said made it appropriate to impose a sentence at the low range of sentences given for this kind of offence.
A primary factor was Angeconeb's Indigenous background.
A Gladue report outlined a difficult childhood, parents who went on alcoholic binges, and being raised in a community plagued by substance abuse and poverty.
"Clearly Mr. Angeconeb has suffered from intergenerational trauma," the judge observed.
The court endorsed numerous recommendations—contained in the Gladue report—for treatment and goals for Angeconeb while he is on probation.
The judge noted, however, that successful rehabilitation will be largely dependent on choices that Angeconeb makes in the future, and that "his decisions concerning his use of alcohol will require a lifetime of decisions" regardless of the length of probation.
