CANADA, October 20 - Released on October 20, 2023

A public inquest into the death of Aaron Nanaquawetung will be held November 20 to 24, 2023, at the Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre, 2002 Airport Drive, in Saskatoon.

The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

Nanaquawetung, 38, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Regional Psychiatric Centre on September 19, 2021. Centre staff and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and lifesaving attempts were made. He was transported to the Royal University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased on September 20, 2021. 

Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person's death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.

The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died, and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner's jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Coroner William Davern will preside at the inquest.

-30-

For more information, contact: