July 22, 2026
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Janine Walker
A standing hearing will take place to determine who may participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Janine Walker, 23, of Easterville.
On March 23, 2023, Walker was detained by RCMP from the Chemawawin detachment. Walker was found unresponsive in her cell. Emergency services were called, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and she died. An autopsy determined the cause of death was cocaine toxicity.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths to determine what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who may participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may apply for standing to participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Kerry UnRuh, inquest counsel, at kunruh@dfsku.com or 204-949-1710 by Aug. 13.
The standing hearing will be held on Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. in the Chemawawin Cree Nation Band office, 5 Airport Rd., Easterville.
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