In this episode, Dr. Kona Williams, a Cree and Mohawk forensic pathologist and coroner based in Sudbury, Ontario, talks to host Sandra about what forensic pathology is (and isn’t). They also discuss death investigation systems, why some communities in so-called Canada are left waiting years for answers about their loved ones’ deaths, and what needs to happen to ensure health care is more equitable for all – including those who are no longer living.

Resources:

- Watch Dr. Williams’ TedX talk entitled “Investigating Indigenous deaths: Looking beyond the pathological diagnosis”, on how the social, structural, and colonial determinants of health factor into her work in death investigation.

- For additional context on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), read the final report of the National Inquiry, and this news story: McCue, D. (2019, Jun 10). MMIWG report missed chance to change how deaths are investigated, says Indigenous forensic pathologist. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/checkup/mmiwg-report-missed-chance-to-change-how-deaths-are-investigated-says-indigenous-forensic-pathologist-1.5167987

- Read about the Goudge Inquiry, mentioned by Dr. Williams, which prompted a change in death investigation systems in Canada: Eggerston, L. (2008, Nov 4). Goudge: “Systemic failings” in Ontario coroner’s office. CMAJ, 179(10), 995. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/179/10/995

- Learn more about the Canadian Association of Forensic Medicine on their website, and familiarize yourself with what’s happening at the Centre of Forensic Sciences in North York, Ontario.

- Have a listen to relevant past episodes, eg. ⁠⁠⁠on the structural determinants of health⁠⁠⁠, trauma-informed care, and ⁠realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related calls to action⁠.

Credits:

Additional music by Aleksey Voronin⁠, used under the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay content license⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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