A jury sat. A coroner spoke. Lawyers introduced themselves. The process was explained carefully, almost clinically, as these things are. This is not a trial. No one is here to assign blame. The purpose is to understand. To answer five questions. To make recommendations so that what happened here does not happen again.
That is how it begins.
But before any of that could take hold, before the systems and the timelines and the evidence, the room was asked to sit with something much harder.
Who Heather was.
She was twenty four years old.
She was a daughter. A sister. A young woman who loved animals in a way that was not casual or passing, but attentive and constant. The kind of person who noticed if something was wrong, who made sure there was food, bedding, comfort. Her mother described her as a “little zookeeper,” someone who did not just love animals, but took responsibility for them.
She was thoughtful. That word came up more than once. Not in a vague way, but in the small, human ways that are easy to overlook until they are gone. Watching to see if someone needed help. Going to them. Sitting beside them. Offering a hug. Giving what she had, even when she did not have much.
She loved art. She loved drawing. She loved Hello Kitty and Sanrio characters. She loved being near water. Walking along the river with her dog. Quiet things. Gentle things.
Her name, given to her in ceremony, meant someone who smiles a lot.
There were other parts of her story too. Harder parts. Her mother did not hide them. Addiction. Attempts at treatment. Honesty about where she was and what she was facing. Effort. Trying. Falling. Trying again.
And still, pride.
Not pride because everything was easy or successful, but pride because she told the truth. Because she tried to get well. Because she kept going.
Her brother spoke about her in a different way. Less formally. More like someone remembering a person who had always been there.
He talked about being able to go to her. To talk freely. About anything. About having someone who would listen without judgment. Someone constant. Someone safe.
That kind of presence does not announce itself when it is there. It is only when it is gone that you understand what it was.
Her stepmother described her as someone who noticed people. Who paid attention. Who cared. The kind of person who would stop what she was doing if someone else needed something.
This is who the jury met first.
Not a patient. Not a case.
A person.
And then, almost quietly, something else began to take shape.
In those same voices, in the same memories, there were details that did not belong to a story that ends well.
Grey skin. Not pale. Grey.
Clouded eyes.
Slow movement. Holding onto walls for support.
Dropping things she could normally carry.
A body that was not keeping up anymore.
On the night before she died, she came home from the hospital and told them she had fallen down the stairs. That she was in pain throughout her body. That she had been given Tylenol and sent home on a bus.
She went to bed early. That was not like her.
By the next morning, she was rolling in bed in pain. Back and forth. Moaning. Not talking much. When asked if the hospital had done any tests, she said no. No X rays. No bloodwork.
These are not conclusions. Not yet.
But they are there now, placed carefully on the record, piece by piece, the way inquests do.
The jury will hear from doctors. From nurses. From experts. They will be asked to make sense of timelines and decisions and systems.
There will be a great deal of information.
But this morning, before any of that could take over, the room was asked to understand something simpler and far more difficult.
A young woman lived here. She was loved. She was trying. She mattered.
And whatever happened next did not happen to a case.
It happened to Heather.
The inquest has begun.
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?
