WOLASTOQEY TERRITORY – Facts laid bare after two days of gruelling testimony into the death of Skyler Sappier of Neqotkuk revealed critical shortcomings within the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre that contributed to his tragic death.
“Skyler was a beloved family member and community member. He was robbed of his future with his two young children. There was missing oversight and a lack of compassion for him in his final days, marked by the unacceptable decision not to take his failing health seriously,” said Neqotkuk Chief Ross Perley.
Testimony from staff at the correctional centre and the hospital described how Skyler, who was put in a cell with a COVID-positive cellmate, was rushed to the hospital three days after he first complained of chest pain. When he arrived, and presented with the same vitals that the correctional centre had noted, Skyler was triaged at Level 2, which requires quick medical intervention, including the need to be seen by a doctor within 15 minutes.
“There was a shocking contrast between the compassionate, caring testimony provided by hospital staff and the level of ambivalence displayed by correctional staff in this incident. I have no faith, after sitting through this inquest, that other Indigenous people will not face the same risk to their life in provincial correctional facilities,” said Chief Perley.
“As a result of this inquest, I am left with one demand – the calling of an Indigenous-led inquiry into the systemic racism that is on full display in today’s justice system. We need immediate action before more people die.’’
At least two days before his death, Skyler complained of chest pain and told nursing staff his lungs weren’t properly working and he was noted as having slightly coarse, louder breath. He was given Tylenol or Advil, without staff asking why.
Skyler continued to complain of chest pain and was noted as looking pale and unwell. He was given painkillers and an inhaler and moved to a medical cell where he wasn’t physically checked for three hours.
Corrections staff testified that despite having vitals that were below normal, Skyler did not look in distress, so they only continued to monitor him. However, he was visibly short of breath, in distress and verbally expressed that his chest hurt.
Several times in the testimony, understaffing was highlighted amid the COVID-19 outbreak within the correctional centre. There were instances of discrepancies in the notes from staff and surveillance video records, and it was revealed that even after deciding Skyler needed to go to the hospital, correctional staff failed to call an ambulance.
It wasn’t until the end of the day on Jan. 29, days after first complaining of pain, that he was taken to hospital. A doctor who treated him noted Skyler likely had pneumonia for several days.
Skyler is remembered for his infectious smile and an energy that filled the room. Even when he was rushed to the hospital and very sick, doctors remarked how he was pleasant and happy to tell them about his girlfriend. He loved his family and friends deeply and held his traditions, culture and spirituality closely.
Chief Perley also called for changes to The Coroner’s Act, to improve the inquest process. A victim’s loved ones are not given standing in an inquest, unlike in other jurisdictions, and they weren’t allowed to hear traumatic details of Skyler’s death in advance of this process, which was held in a courtroom filled with the public and the media.
“I thank the jury for their recommendations and I hope they will be implemented, even though they are made in the context of a broken system not suited to address the underlying, systemic racism that Indigenous people face,” Chief Perley said. “No one should have to go through what Skyler’s family did this week.”
Media contact: Logan Perley media@wolastoqey.ca