This story contains details that some readers may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.
Officials are looking into allegations that a Labrador boy in care was seriously injured by staff while in another province.
Sixteen-year-old Thunderheart Tshakapesh took his own life just weeks after returning home from a treatment centre in Saskatchewan. His father, Simeon, claims that had everything to do with what happened out west.
The boy was 14 when his parents asked the former child youth and family services for help in 2015.
(Submitted photos.)
Thunderheart was first treated for his gas-sniffing addiction in Grand Falls-Windsor before being transferred to a similar centre in Regina. That’s where it’s alleged he suffered a serious head injury at the hands of staff in 2016. But his parents knew nothing about it until after their son had passed away.
They were contacted by people who said they witnessed the assault, saying the boy was never the same after.
Last week the family told their story to VOCM, calling for a criminal investigation into what happened to their son. While it’s too early to say if there’s enough evidence for that, the province confirms it has begun gathering the facts.
In a statement to VOCM News, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development expressed its sympathy to the family on the loss of their son.
Officials say they’re working with counterparts in Saskatchewan to get information on Thunderheart Tshakapesh while he was in care, which they add is not available in any provincial government files.
