Family Seeks Police Probe Into Death of First Nation Woman After Missed Medical Travel

The family of 31-year-old Miranda Mamakwa is calling for a police investigation into her death. They claim the government's non-insured health benefits program failed to provide transportation to critical follow-up appointments after her open-heart surgery.

Mamakwa, who lived in the remote Fort Severn First Nation, missed four scheduled visits with cardiovascular specialists between May and August. Her family argues these failures directly contributed to her death in September.

Legal representatives for the family have formally requested that the Ontario Provincial Police examine the conduct of the program staff involved. The family is seeking accountability for the lack of response to urgent transportation requests.

Indigenous Services Canada stated they are reviewing the situation and working to improve their travel services. The department recently introduced a simplified submission process for medical travel.

This incident follows a broader human rights complaint filed by several First Nations groups regarding the consistent neglect of health needs in remote regions. Leaders have frequently criticized the program for failing to support patients in fly-in communities.