The family of a 24-year-old Indigenous woman who died while giving birth at a Saskatoon hospital alleges that her serious pregnancy complications were overlooked by medical staff, and they are demanding accountability.
Family speaks out after tragic death
Jaali Weenie-Sutherland passed away on April 26 at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital. On May 25, her family held a press conference at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, organized by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), to voice their concerns.
According to the family, the official cause of death remains classified as unknown, but Weenie-Sutherland had been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure.
Jaye Cameron, speaking on behalf of the family, stated, "Her death was preventable." Cameron explained that Weenie-Sutherland first sought care at a hospital in Rosthern on April 25 before being transferred to Saskatoon, where the pre-eclampsia diagnosis was confirmed.
Weenie-Sutherland, along with her sister and mother, repeatedly alerted hospital staff about her worsening condition, including severe pain and difficulty breathing. Cameron said these concerns were "dismissed." Approximately two hours later, Weenie-Sutherland died after being taken to the delivery room. Her baby girl survived.
Questions about care and systemic issues
The family is seeking answers about the decisions made regarding Weenie-Sutherland's care. "Who made those decisions to leave Jaali in the observation room and not attend to her until it was too late?" Cameron asked.
They are calling for a full, transparent investigation and accountability from the hospital and healthcare providers. Additionally, they urge strengthened maternal health protocols and reforms to ensure Indigenous women's voices are heard in the healthcare system.
"These are all necessary to save lives," Cameron said, noting that Indigenous women continue to face systemic barriers when accessing healthcare. "This is not an isolated tragedy."
FSIN CEO Martin Paul read a statement expressing condolences, recalling that Weenie-Sutherland had worked as a summer student with the organization. "Jaali mattered, she mattered to all of us, her life mattered and this family's questions, concerns, grief and hopes matter," he said.
Remembering Jaali
Weenie-Sutherland's partner, Blayne Morin, described her as a "hell of a partner" who was always willing to listen to others in need. She was on the verge of graduating from First Nations University of Canada with a degree in social work, a goal she had set for herself.
"The family and I will be attending her convocation next month, taking her degree," Morin said.
In a Facebook post, FNUniv Saskatoon remembered Weenie-Sutherland for her "lightheartedness, kindness and strength."
The Saskatchewan Health Authority had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
