Inquest into Neskantaga man's death delayed
Bruce Moonias died in December 2006 after involvement with police
The presiding coroner at the inquest into the death of a Neskantaga man almost seven years ago adjourned the proceedings after a brief start on Monday.
Bruce Moonias died in 2006 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, following his involvement with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.
The inquest began Monday morning and a jury of two men and three women were sworn in.
But coroner Dr. David Evans then postponed the proceedings to allow time for a web cast to be set up, so members of Neskantaga First Nation can watch.
He said he hoped the technology would be set up within a few days so that testimony can begin.
Evans also asked the jurors to agree to an earlier start time every morning so that the inquest can still be completed within the three weeks allocated.
The lawyer representing Bruce Moonias' father, Stanley Moonias, at the inquest said he was disappointed by the delay, but happy that the proceedings will be accessible to people in his home community.
Christa Big Canoe added that after almost seven years of waiting, the family is looking forward to the completion of the inquest so they can "start focusing on healing and letting Bruce rest."
Both Big Canoe and coroner's counsel Leonard Kim said they could not provide any details surrounding Moonias' death before the jurors hear the testimony.