In the coming days, a coroner’s inquest will begin into the death of Heather Winterstein.
We need to be clear about what this is, and what it is not.
An inquest is not a criminal trial. It does not assign legal blame. It examines the circumstances of a death and asks what must change so that it does not happen again.
But for many Indigenous people, this is not just a process. It is something much closer to home.
Because what happened to Heather is not unfamiliar.
Across Ontario and across this country, Indigenous people continue to experience harm within healthcare systems. Not always through dramatic or obvious actions, but through something quieter and more dangerous. Through dismissal. Through assumption. Through a failure to take pain seriously. Through decisions that are shaped, consciously or not, by bias.
We have heard it before. We have lived it before.
People who are struggling with substance use, who are living in poverty, who do not present in ways that systems expect, are often seen as part of their own problem. Their symptoms are questioned. Their credibility is diminished. Their care is delayed.
When this is combined with anti-Indigenous racism, the consequences can be severe.
In some cases, fatal.
This is the context in which this inquest is taking place.
The materials that inform an inquest include medical records, timelines, expert opinions, and testimony from those involved in a person’s care. Together, they begin to tell a story. Not just of what happened, but of how decisions were made, what was prioritized, and what was missed.
And these are not abstract questions.
They are questions about whether someone was listened to. Whether their pain was believed. Whether assumptions replaced assessment. Whether bias, casual or intentional, influenced the care they received.
These are questions about accountability.
In recent years, many institutions have taken visible steps toward reconciliation. Land acknowledgements are read. Cultural safety training is completed. Policies are introduced.
But we need to say this plainly.
That is not enough.
Reading words does not mean understanding them. Completing training does not mean beliefs have changed. Systems can comply with requirements and still fail the people they are meant to serve.
Reconciliation cannot be a checkbox.
It cannot be something that is performed publicly and abandoned in practice.
If healthcare providers, at any level, engage in behaviour that dismisses, stereotypes, or devalues Indigenous patients, whether intentional or not, there must be accountability. Harm does not become acceptable because it was unintentional. And outcomes do not become less serious because bias was subtle.
Lives are still affected.
Lives are still lost.
What this inquest offers is an opportunity to examine these realities openly. To move beyond surface level responses and to ask harder questions about how care is actually delivered.
It is also an opportunity for community voices to be part of that truth.
At Grandmother’s Voice, we know that Heather’s story is not isolated. Many Indigenous individuals and families carry experiences within healthcare systems that have left them feeling dismissed, unheard, or unsafe.
We are inviting community members to share their experiences with us in confidence.
These stories will be held with care. They will not be shared without consent. And they will help ensure that what is brought forward reflects not just one experience, but a pattern that must be acknowledged.
This is not about creating division.
It is about creating honesty.
Because meaningful change does not come from protecting systems. It comes from examining them. From listening differently. From being willing to confront what is uncomfortable.
As this inquest begins, we stand with Heather’s family. We honour her life. And we remain committed to ensuring that what comes forward does not end with recommendations on paper, but leads to real change in how care is delivered.
This is not an isolated incident.
And it cannot be treated as one.
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?
