North Spirit Lake Kakegamic family appeals for inquest into son’s death
March 30, 2006 - 6:12pm | by Anonymous
Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic sat down with the chief coroner Monday in Thunder Bay, where they talked about the need for further investigation.
The family has also retained the services of the executive director for Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto, Kimberley Murray, in order to assist them with their case.
“The criminal justice system has failed the family of Max Kakegamic and they now turn to the coroner’s system to help them find answers to some questions surrounding Max’s death,” said Murray Wednesday in a prepared statement.
Max Kakegamic was found dead at the corner of Third Street South and Matheson Street on Oct. 4, 2000. The manslaughter case against Justin Carambetsos, who was charged with the murder hours after Kakegamic’s body was discovered, was stayed in Kenora court in February 2004 by Justice Peter Hambly, who cited police misconduct during their investigation in his ruling.
“The family is grateful to Dr. McLellan for hearing their concerns and is hopeful that an inquest will be called, so that recommendations can be made to ensure that no other aboriginal person is left on the streets of Kenora and victimized in the manner that Max was,” Murray continued in her statement.
The chief coroner’s office is waiting for a written submission from the family, which is expected within a month’s time. Once received, the chief coroner will review it, then make a decision within four to six weeks whether or not to grant the appeal, said Kathy Kerr, executive officer for inquests and special projects.
Treaty 9 Deputy Chief Alvin Fiddler accompanied the family during Monday’s meeting with the chief coroner, noting it was a great opportunity for the parents to appeal in person.
Police chief trying to build bridges
Kenora’s new police chief Dan Jorgensen said he has attended numerous meetings and events, in an effort to build bridges between the police and aboriginal people.
These have included one-on-one meetings with First Nation leaders as part of the ongoing Common Land, Common Ground process, which began around the time of the death in the fall of 2000.
Jorgensen has acknowledged the low levels of trust that exists between aboriginal people and police, and he is reviewing the complaints process in an attempt to ensure those who have the courage to bring their concerns forward are satisfied that their message has been properly heard. Along these lines, he has suggested inserting a mediator, who may assist complainants with both the formulation of their complaint and an explanation of the end results.
Last year, Ontario Justice Patrick Lesage recommended the formation of an independent public oversight committee to investigate public complaints about police. Currently, under the Police Services Act in Ontario, the chief of police is given the responsibility of adjudicating any public complaint. However, an individual can ask the Ontario Civilian Commission to review decisions made by local police.
from http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=221965
The parents of Max Kakegamic, who was killed on the streets of Kenora more than five years ago, are appealing to the chief coroner’s office for an inquest.
By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Thursday March 30, 2006
Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic sat down with the chief coroner Monday in Thunder Bay, where they talked about the need for further investigation.
The family has also retained the services of the executive director for Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto, Kimberley Murray, in order to assist them with their case.
“The criminal justice system has failed the family of Max Kakegamic and they now turn to the coroner’s system to help them find answers to some questions surrounding Max’s death,” said Murray Wednesday in a prepared statement.
Max Kakegamic was found dead at the corner of Third Street South and Matheson Street on Oct. 4, 2000. The manslaughter case against Justin Carambetsos, who was charged with the murder hours after Kakegamic’s body was discovered, was stayed in Kenora court in February 2004 by Justice Peter Hambly, who cited police misconduct during their investigation in his ruling.
“The family is grateful to Dr. McLellan for hearing their concerns and is hopeful that an inquest will be called, so that recommendations can be made to ensure that no other aboriginal person is left on the streets of Kenora and victimized in the manner that Max was,” Murray continued in her statement.
The chief coroner’s office is waiting for a written submission from the family, which is expected within a month’s time. Once received, the chief coroner will review it, then make a decision within four to six weeks whether or not to grant the appeal, said Kathy Kerr, executive officer for inquests and special projects.
Treaty 9 Deputy Chief Alvin Fiddler accompanied the family during Monday’s meeting with the chief coroner, noting it was a great opportunity for the parents to appeal in person.
Police chief trying to build bridges
Kenora’s new police chief Dan Jorgensen said he has attended numerous meetings and events, in an effort to build bridges between the police and aboriginal people.
These have included one-on-one meetings with First Nation leaders as part of the ongoing Common Land, Common Ground process, which began around the time of the death in the fall of 2000.
Jorgensen has acknowledged the low levels of trust that exists between aboriginal people and police, and he is reviewing the complaints process in an attempt to ensure those who have the courage to bring their concerns forward are satisfied that their message has been properly heard. Along these lines, he has suggested inserting a mediator, who may assist complainants with both the formulation of their complaint and an explanation of the end results.
Last year, Ontario Justice Patrick Lesage recommended the formation of an independent public oversight committee to investigate public complaints about police. Currently, under the Police Services Act in Ontario, the chief of police is given the responsibility of adjudicating any public complaint. However, an individual can ask the Ontario Civilian Commission to review decisions made by local police.