By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY — “In this country, when wanton disrespect of life is displayed, people get investigated,” says Julian Falconer. A criminal investigation into public officials and the delivery of a program is “exceedingly rare” said Falconer, the human rights lawyer representing the family of Miranda Mamakwa as they seek just such an investigation. The 31-year-old mother from Fort Severn First Nation died on Sept. 8 after the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program did not provide the mandated transportation for her to receive follow-up care for open-heart surgery. “The First Nations are absolutely captive to this program,” said Falconer, explaining that four different requests for transportation to already scheduled appointments, made by proper channels and supported by a doctor’s letter, were not…
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