A coroner’s jury has ruled that the deaths of five individuals in Constance Lake First Nation resulting from an outbreak of a fungal disease are deemed natural, contrary to the undetermined status requested by some attorneys.
This decision coincides with the fourth anniversary of Luke Moore’s passing at the age of 43 in Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst due to blastomycosis. Moore succumbed to the illness after receiving treatment for a misdiagnosed respiratory condition initially thought to be pneumonia.
Following Moore’s death, Lorraine Shaganash, 47, and Lizzie Sutherland, 56, passed away in the subsequent days, followed by Mark Ferris, 67, and Douglas Taylor, 60.
Blastomycosis is caused by inhaling unseen spores that form under specific conditions, such as hot weather in combination with elements like feces and decomposing plant matter in damp soil. Treatment involves antifungal medication rather than antibiotics.
Almost 50 community members out of approximately 800 were diagnosed with blastomycosis during the health crisis, leading to lockdowns and widespread fear and trauma that persist to this day.
The jury, after three weeks of testimony from numerous witnesses, issued an extensive list of 79 recommendations. Testimonies revealed fear among Constance Lake members in seeking assistance at the Hearst hospital, feeling disregarded or marginalized, and being referred to in a derogatory manner.
Among the recommendations was the call for Notre Dame Hospital to adopt Joyce’s Principle, ensuring equitable access to social and health services for Indigenous individuals without discrimination. Additionally, the establishment of an Indigenous Patient Ombudsperson was urged to address complaints from Indigenous patients.
Other suggestions included securing funding for the Jane Mattinas Health Centre in Constance Lake to eliminate the need for residents to travel to Hearst for medical care. The provision of two full-time Indigenous patient navigators and the collaboration with the hospital to hire an Indigenous patient navigator were also recommended.
Furthermore, the jury proposed cultural sensitivity training and trauma-informed care for healthcare professionals within a year, along with the incorporation of a traditional healing room and smudging at the hospital.
The inquest highlighted challenges in transferring critically ill patients promptly, leading to recommendations for the establishment of an emergency response team for northern and remote communities in Ontario during public health crises. Additionally, expediting the renewal of Ornge’s helicopter fleet to enhance response times for transporting critically ill patients was advised.
Regarding blastomycosis research, the jury suggested funding for Four Rivers Environmental Services to develop a real-time alert system for potential spore conditions in the community. They also proposed creating a research hub for blastomycosis in Constance Lake.
The jury mandated environmental cleanup of sites near the First Nation, addressing long-standing health hazards such as sewage backup and blue-green algae contamination. Remediation plans for mold-infested homes and efforts to address pollution from sawdust near the community were recommended.
While the recommendations are not legally binding and do not assign fault or liability, the jury called for the formation of a blastomycosis implementation committee to oversee the execution of the recommendations. Elder Florrie Sutherland concluded the inquest by emphasizing the importance of action on the recommendations to improve the community’s health and well-being.