First Nations student deaths inquest hears stories of racism

The inquest into First Nations student deaths in Thunder Bay is shedding light on the grim realities facing some young people because of their race. 

In the second week of the inquest, which is learning about the experiences of seven First Nations students who died while attending school in Thunder Bay, several people came forward to share stories. Among those who provided testimony were two friends of Paul Panacheese, a 21-year-old who died in 2006. 

Betty Kennedy, the supervisor of the northern office of the provincial advocate for children and youth, says all of the testimony she heard highlighted racism in the city.

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"Paul's friends identified very specifically," Kennedy said. "Eggs being thrown at them, or bottles, and [being] called names because of their race."

A boarding home parent, a student support worker and a nurse also spoke about disturbing circumstances experienced by First Nations youth, said Kennedy. 

"It was very difficult to hear the pain of what life was for these kids coming in for school. And to be away from their own family and support system," Kennedy said.

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Testimony from the First Nations student deaths inquest is not being heard this week, but is set to resume on Oct. 27. That's when they'll listen to testimony regarding the death of 18-year-old Robyn Harper.

The seven students who died ranged in age from 15 to 21 years of age, and came from various northern Ontario communities to Thunder Bay in order to attend school. The inquest aims to learn from past experiences in order to prevent more deaths from happening.