MATAWA FIRST NATIONS AND MATAWA LEARNING CENTRE WELCOME JURY VERDICT IN INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF SEVEN NAN YOUTH
THUNDER BAY, ON: Matawa First Nations and Matawa Learning Centre (MLC) today welcomed the Jury’s verdict in the Inquest into the death of seven Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) youth.
In January 2016, the MLC was called to testify as Jordan Wabasse was a student at the MLC when he went missing in February of 2011. All of the other subjects of the Inquest were students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. MLC was not an official party to the Inquest when it began on October 5, 2015 but was granted fully party standing after applying in January 2016.
During the February to April 2016 phase of the Inquest, Matawa Education Manager Sharon Nate and MLC Principal Brad Battiston gave testimony regarding the business of the Matawa First Nations Management, when and why the MLC was created along with the challenges that Matawa community schools face. In addition, testimony was given on the students who typically attend the MLC and the types of supports MLC and its students require. By the conclusion of the Inquest, the Jury had heard from over 145 witnesses and seen over 185 exhibits.
MLC collaborated with the other parties involved in the Inquest in providing a joint slate of recommendations for final submissions. They also provided independent recommendations for MLC and Matawa communities.