First Nations mother demands overhaul of medical travel program after daughter's death
Eva Mamakwa says her daughter Miranda died after repeated failures by Indigenous Services Canada's non-insured health benefits program to arrange travel for essential follow-up appointments.
After undergoing open-heart surgery in April, Miranda Mamakwa required several follow-up visits for blood-thinner monitoring and specialist care. Requests for travel to Thunder Bay were repeatedly faxed to the non-insured health benefits program, but the agency never confirmed transportation, causing her to miss appointments on May 28, June 11, July 2 and August 6. In mid-September she experienced severe symptoms, was airlifted to Thunder Bay, and was found to be hemorrhaging in the brain; she died shortly thereafter.
Her mother, Eva Mamakwa, has spoken publicly for the first time, blaming the program’s failures and demanding accountability. Over a dozen First Nations and tribal councils have lodged a human-rights complaint against Indigenous Services Canada, alleging widespread denial of health care due to transport delays. Indigenous Services Canada acknowledges the serious impact of service gaps and says it is reviewing the case, while the minister has ordered a fact-finding mission.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic failures in delivering essential medical travel for remote Indigenous communities, risking lives.
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