What caused the deaths in Constance Lake First Nation?

The deaths were caused by an outbreak of a fungal lung disease called blastomycosis.

How did systemic racism contribute to the Constance Lake tragedy?

Lawyers argued that the remote First Nation's lack of access to well-equipped medical facilities and the failure of doctors to quickly identify the blastomycosis infection were due to systemic racism in the healthcare system.

What recommendations are being made to prevent similar tragedies in Constance Lake?

The inquest is proposing 87 recommendations, including funding for Indigenous health navigators and a permanent medical presence in the community, to improve healthcare access and services.

Home / Health / Inquest Uncovers Systemic Racism's Role in Preventable Fungal Outbreak Deaths in Remote First Nation

Inquest Uncovers Systemic Racism's Role in Preventable Fungal Outbreak Deaths in Remote First Nation

18 Nov

•

Summary

Lawyers argue deaths should be classified as "undetermined" due to lack of access to medical care
Outbreak started with many seeking treatment, but doctors failed to identify blastomycosis in time
Recommendations aim to improve healthcare services and prevent similar tragedies in Constance Lake

In November 2025, a tragic outbreak of a fungal lung disease claimed the lives of five people in the remote Constance Lake First Nation in northern Ontario. An inquest into these deaths has now uncovered the role of systemic racism and inadequate healthcare access in this preventable tragedy.

During the closing statements, lawyers for the victims' families argued that the manner of death should be classified as "undetermined" rather than "natural." They pointed to the community's lack of direct access to well-equipped medical facilities, as well as the failure of doctors to identify the blastomycosis infection in time, despite many residents seeking treatment for pneumonia-like symptoms.