Inquest begins into five blastomycosis deaths in Constance Lake First Nation

A coroner's inquest is underway into a 2021-22 blastomycosis outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation. The disease sickened more than 50 people and killed 5.

An emotional coroner’s inquest is underway to investigate the deadly blastomycosis outbreak that claimed five lives in Constance Lake First Nation near Hearst, Ont.

From November 2021 to January 2022, blastomycosis spread through the community, which has approximately 750 residents.

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which grows most commonly in moist soil and decomposing wood and leaves, according to Public Health Ontario.

The disease affected more than 50 people and claimed the lives of Luke Moore, Lorraine Shaganash, Lizzie Sutherland, Mark Ferris and Douglas Taylor.

The inquest was initiated by Arthur Moore, Luke’s father and a former chief of the First Nation, who pushed for a public investigation into the deaths.

As the inquest began Wednesday, presiding officer Dr. Michael Wilson extended his condolences to the families, acknowledging the difficulty of the process.

Won’t determine blame

Wilson said the hope is to “learn from past events and build towards a better future.”

He stressed the inquest is not meant to determine legal ramifications or assign blame.

The five-member jury will listen to evidence and be required to answer five questions about each deceased person, including the who, when, where, how and by what means they died.

The inquest will also examine broader factors, including whether the health-care experience of First Nations people was negatively impacted by their Indigenous identity and remote place of residence.

At the end of the process, jurors can provide recommendations that will be shared with government, agencies and health organizations to prevent a similar tragedy.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents Constance Lake First Nation, expressed support for the community.

In a statement, the NAN highlighted the continuing risk.

“This deadly lung infection continues to pose a serious risk to the community, and we look forward to understanding more about what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.”

The inquest is scheduled to last 25 days and will hear accounts from around 30 witnesses.

The first three days will be held at the Community Hall in Constance Lake First Nation, providing the community direct access, with the remainder of the proceedings held virtually.