Chief calls for unity following healers' court verdict

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Wikwemikong Chief Walter Manitowabi is urging members of his community to focus on collective healing in the aftermath of an Ontario Court of Justice decision.

The long anticipated verdict came April 25 after 17 months of controversy and grief on the First Nation. Justice Gerald Michel sentenced Ecuadorian healer Juan Uyunkar to a 12-month conditional sentence followed by twelve months' probation. The shaman's son, Edgar Uyunkar, received one day, time served, with six months' probation. He was ordered to leave Canada as soon as possible.

Juan Uyunkar must perform 150 hours of community service and refrain from conducting ceremonies involving the banned substance harmaline.

The father-and-son team of Shuar healers pled guilty to charges of administering a noxious substance and trafficking in a controlled substance.

Chief Manitowabi acknowledged, in an interview after the hearing, that the community has been "somewhat divided" over issues surrounding the case. "Obviously, it has been a long process and the elected leaders and the community are relieved the process is finally complete," he said.

"The past year-and-a-half have been a very trying time for all involved, and everyone would like to put the matter behind them and finish the healing process," he added.

The ordeal for the people of Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve started in the fall of 2001. Under the sponsorship of the Wikwemikong Health Centre, Juan and Edgar Uyunkar agreed to perform a series of healing ceremonies and participate in a cultural exchange. Many Wikwemikong residents took part in the rituals which involved ingesting natem.

Tragically, Elder Jean (Jane) Maiangowi collapsed after drinking a solution of the South American vines, tobacco and water October 19, 2001. Forensic tests determined that she died from "acute nicotine intoxication."

The judge was moved by many victim impact statements presented to him before sentencing.

"The deceased Elder was known to have been a very special person to family and community," he said. "Testimonials we have heard showed her to be a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend who was sowing joy throughout the home and the community. She is rightfully missed by her family.

"Jane Maiangowi passed on to another life in the context of a sacred ceremony in which she believed and participated," the judge said. "She continues to do her work of sowing joy and peace (in the spirit world) and we must take comfort in that."

In passing sentence, Michel reiterated that the case posed a difficult dilemma since it involved both spiritual and temporal principles.

"The sentence can not and will not satisfy everyone," he said. "But I must mete out a penalty."

In accepting responsibility for the tragedy, Juan Uyunkar told the court, "Thank you to all my Anishinabe brothers and sisters. I have a lot of pain in my heart for my sister, Jane. She was part of my life and my existence. For this family I have sincere condolences."

In his closing remarks, Manitowabi said, "Let us join together and support the Maiangowi family and assist them in their healing process. Let's remember Jane Maiangowi for the great person she was and not the way in which she travelled to the spirit world."