N.W.T. to probe stroke death of elder who was assumed to be drunk
YELLOWKNIFE — The Northwest Territories has promised an independent investigation into the death of an aboriginal elder assumed to be drunk when he was suffering from a stroke.
“I believe that the serious nature of the concerns that have been expressed in the media warrants further review and external investigation,” said Health Minister Glen Abernethy.
Papik, a 67-year-old Inuvialuit man from Aklavik in the northwest corner of the territory, suffered the stroke Aug. 3.
His niece Maggie Papik said she found out about what happened when staff at the elder’s home called her.