Following Coroner’s Inquest, action needed to uphold Indigenous women’s right to safe and equitable healthcare

Following Coroner’s Inquest, action needed to uphold Indigenous women’s right to safe and equitable healthcare

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) acknowledges the completion of the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Heather Winterstein and the recommendations brought forward by the jury. As we reflect on the conclusion of the inquest, ONWA honours her life, her spirit, and the profound loss experienced by her family and community.

Heather’s life matters. Her death was preventable. The findings of this inquest affirm what Indigenous women have long known: racism in healthcare is real, it is systemic, and it is life-threatening. Indigenous women across Ontario continue to face delayed care, dismissal, discrimination, bias, and fear of reprisal when seeking help. These experiences are part of an ongoing failure to provide equitable, safe, and dignified care, particularly in emergency and acute settings.

While the Inquest has brought forward 68 essential recommendations, recommendations alone are not enough. Governments, health authorities, and institutions must move beyond acknowledgment toward concrete, enforceable actions. Indigenous women’s right to safe and equitable healthcare must be upheld, not only in principle, but through day-to-day practices in all healthcare environments.

ONWA also honours Francine Shimizu-Orgar, Heather’s mother, whose strength, leadership, and tireless advocacy have been central to the pursuit of justice for her daughter. Through her continued work to advance systemic change, including advocacy for Heather’s Law, Francine has helped to mobilize collective action and sustain public accountability. ONWA was honoured to recognize Francine in 2023 with the Indigenous Women of the Year Award and continues to stand with her in her ongoing advocacy.

ONWA remains committed to advancing health equity and addressing anti-Indigenous racism in all forms. We call for the immediate and full implementation of the inquest recommendations. We call for the inclusion of Indigenous women’s organizations throughout all policy and decision-making processes as we are the experts in the issues that impact our lives, and we hold the solutions.

For more information and media inquiries, contact: 

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

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