A call for an inquest into the house fire deaths of nine residents in Pikangikum First Nation may not go unheeded.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation believes such a hearing would address fundamental issues that could be an underlying cause.
Ontario’s Chief Coroner, Dr. Dirk Huyer, says he’s thinking of looking at all Ontario First Nation fire deaths over the last several years.
Huyer states he’s considering at an approach that may allow them to look for those systemic issues across more deaths, and not just the ones in Pikangikum.
Huyer says he plans to discuss the issue with First Nation leaders and the Fire Marshal to get their views.