Recommendations in Inquest into the Death of Delilah Blair: Systemic Change Is Needed
7/25/2022On June 30th, 2022, jurors came to a decision and made 38 recommendations in the inquest into the death of Delilah Blair. Delilah Blair was a 30-year-old Indigenous woman who died while in custody at the South West Detention Centre (SWDC). The jury determined that Blair died by suicide, however her family is certain that her death was an accident.
What is clear is that Blair’s death was a preventable tragedy. CAEFS and CEFSO welcome some of the recommendations made by the jury, and are also calling for more systemic change related to solitary confinement, preventative resources, and the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous people, while focusing on the ways in which incarceration harms overall.