Tomorrow, the inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein begins. For many people, this will be the first time following a process like this. It is often described simply as a public inquiry into a death, but that description does not fully reflect what it involves, or what it asks of those who choose to follow it.
An inquest is a formal legal process, but it is not a trial. It does not determine guilt or assign legal responsibility. Its purpose is to establish the facts surrounding a death and, ultimately, to identify recommendations that may help prevent similar deaths in the future. That distinction matters, because what unfolds over the coming days is not about verdicts. It is about understanding.
The first day is largely procedural, but it is not insignificant. A jury will be selected, typically five members of the public. Their role is to listen to the evidence as it is presented, to assess what happened, and at the end of the process, to determine the facts and consider recommendations. Counsel for each party will be present, including representatives for Heather’s family, the hospital, emergency services, and other organizations granted standing. The coroner will oversee the proceedings.
There will be opening statements. These are not evidence, but they matter. Each party will outline how they understand the events and what they expect the evidence will show. It is the first indication of how the narrative will be shaped, what will be emphasized, and where there may be differences in interpretation.
From there, the inquest begins to move into substance. Witnesses will be called to establish the basic facts: timelines, interactions, observations, and records. You will begin to hear about Heather’s final days in detail. When she sought care. How she was assessed. What decisions were made. What was documented.
This often unfolds in a clinical way. Medical language is used. Times are read into the record. Notes are examined carefully. It can feel distant, even detached. But what is being reconstructed is not abstract. It is a sequence of real events that took place over a short period of time, with lasting consequences.
It is also important to understand the limits of the process. An inquest can establish facts and make recommendations, but those recommendations are not binding. Their impact depends on whether institutions choose to act on them. This is where the process extends beyond the hearing itself and into the broader question of accountability.
This inquest also takes place within a larger context. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified systemic inequities in Indigenous healthcare and called for specific actions, many of which remain incomplete. The inquest into Brian Sinclair’s death examined how assumptions about a patient’s identity contributed to a failure of care. The death of Joyce Echaquan brought widespread attention to racism within healthcare settings.
These are not distant or unrelated events. They form part of the landscape in which this inquest begins.
Following an inquest requires attention and patience. The full picture does not emerge on the first day. It develops over time, through testimony, questioning, and the careful examination of evidence. There will be moments that are difficult to hear, and others that may feel procedural or slow. Both are part of the process.
At its core, this is about understanding what happened. But it is also about what comes after. By the time an inquest begins, the loss has already occurred. What remains is how that loss is understood, and whether what is learned leads to meaningful change.
Tomorrow is the beginning of that process.
And with it comes a question that will carry through everything that follows: was this preventable?
Presented by Samantha Doxtater
Presented by GRANDMA RENEE
In a world seeking direction, Indigenous teachings offer clear and enduring policies for how to live in harmony with one another and the Earth. This workshop invites participants to explore the profound lessons of the Two Row Wampum Belt and other wampum belts as frameworks for mutual respect, environmental care, and collective well-being. These belts, created long before colonization, embody ancestral agreements that guide humanity on how to coexist with honor, dignity, and reciprocity.
Led by Grandmother Renee, this session emphasizes the importance of relearning and honoring the policies established by our ancestors, rather than creating new paths disconnected from this wisdom. Through the teachings of the belts, participants will uncover the principles of self-care, stewardship of the land, and respect for all beings. This is not about inventing something new—it is about rediscovering the instructions that were always there and committing to uphold them.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will be reminded that the wisdom of the belts is not only a guide for Indigenous communities but a path for all of humanity to walk together in respect and care for one another and the Earth.
Presented by Grandma Gail and Angela DeMontigny
Ceremony is more than tradition—it is a deliberate practice rooted in wisdom, responsibility, and foresight. This workshop explores the “science of ceremony” as a guide to living with intention and accountability for the next seven generations. Our ancestors used ceremony to prepare for the future, ensuring that their actions would benefit not only their own time but also those yet to come. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that practice forward.
Led by Grandmother Gail, this session will examine what has been lost and the actions we must take to restore, respect, and reclaim the ceremonial practices that ensure the well-being of future generations. Participants will be encouraged to reconnect with ceremony as a means of healing, reflection, and renewal, building a foundation of responsibility to guide us in restoring balance and harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will rediscover the transformative power of ceremony as a pathway to healing, accountability, and preparation for a sustainable and harmonious future. Together, we will reaffirm our responsibility to the generations to come.
Presented by Asha Frost
Join Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer, teacher, and bestselling author, for a transformative workshop rooted in traditional teachings and the power of self-discovery. Asha’s work often centers on reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, embracing one’s authentic self, and creating pathways for healing and empowerment. Drawing from her Anishinaabe roots, she weaves stories, teachings, and practical tools to inspire participants to reclaim their power and align with their purpose.
Through her signature blend of traditional healing practices and modern insights, Asha guides participants in understanding how to honor their own journey, navigate challenges with resilience, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. This workshop is an invitation to explore the sacred within and around us, fostering personal growth and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you are seeking personal healing, professional inspiration, or a deeper connection to traditional wisdom, this session with Asha Frost promises to be a profound and enriching experience.
Presented by Allen Sutherland
The Seven Fires prophecy, as shared by seven prophets across different time periods, offers profound guidance for humanity’s path forward. According to Anishinaabe oral tradition, these teachings speak to the choices we face when the world has been polluted, and the waters turned bitter by disrespect. The prophecy teaches that humanity must choose between materialism and spirituality—one path leading to survival and the other to destruction.
In this workshop, Mishoomis Allen will guide participants through the teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy, exploring its relevance in today’s world and its call for spiritual renewal. Additionally, he will share his Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline, providing a broader context for understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of these teachings.
Key Takeaways:
This workshop offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on humanity’s collective responsibility and the transformative power of choosing a spiritual path for the survival of future generations.
Presented by Thohahoken Michael Doxtater
In this session, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater explores the ongoing impact of Canada’s colonial policies on Indigenous communities and the historical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. He examines the systemic attempts to erase Indigenous identity, from residential schools to the suppression of cultural practices, and highlights Indigenous resilience and legal resistance. The presentation also delves into the concept of the “Canada Rafter,” a historical agreement acknowledging Canada’s adoption into the Indigenous Longhouse, raising the question: Has Canada truly upheld its responsibilities in this relationship?
