Families in First Nations student deaths inquest relieved to have start date

A lawyer for some of the families of young First Nations people, who died after coming to Thunder Bay to attend high school, says they're relieved, anxious and hopeful now that the date for an inquest has been set.

Ontario's Chief Coroner announced Wednesday that the inquest into the circumstances surrounding their deaths will begin Oct. 5.

Christa Big Canoe is the legal advocacy director at Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto. She said the families have been waiting years for the inquest to begin.

"It's a monumental thing," said Big Canoe. "On the one hand, it's exciting in some ways. But, it's also anxiety-creating because they've been waiting so long and there's been anticipation."

 She said like any person experiencing a loss, the families know it will be difficult to hear some of the information presented during the inquest. But, Big Canoe said they hope they will also hear answers, and recommendations. 

"Every family that we work with on this inquest has clearly told us that their priority is to ensure prevention of death,"  said Big Canoe. "There is a legitimate fear in northern communities to send their children to Thunder Bay or to urban settings for school."

The inquest is expected to hear from about 200 witnesses, and will run until March 2016.

The students died during a 10-year period, ending in 2011.