By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – On Aug. 19, Miranda Mamakwa of Fort Severn First Nation posted to social media, “If I die, [pls] go after ’em.” On Tuesday, Mamakwa died at the Thunder Bay hospital after missing four follow-up appointments for open-heart surgery she said were not arranged by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. The NIHB’s program exists to ensure access to health care, including transportation and accommodation, for First Nation members. There have been multiple concerns raised about the shortcomings of the program this year, including demands from physicians and politicians, and program recipients at recent rallies. According to Mamakwa’s social media as well as the Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority (SLFNHA) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Mamakwa had open-heart surgery…
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