No mental health support available for First Nations artist who died in jail, chief says – CBC

Moses (Amik) Beaver, 57, of Nibinamik First Nation, helped students express themselves through art

Feb 15, 2017

A colourful First Nations artist who was “warm, outgoing and giving” died in a Thunder Bay, Ont., jail because he couldn’t get help for his mental illness, according to those who knew him.

The province’s Ministry of Correctional Services said a man was declared dead after being transferred to hospital from the Thunder Bay District Jail on Monday evening. The chief of Nibinamik First Nation told CBC News that man was Moses (Amik) Beaver.

“He wanted help. He wanted to get better. He knew he wasn’t crazy,” said Chief Johnny Yellowhead. “He asked me, ‘Can you help me feel better again?’”

Read More:http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/moses-beaver-dies-1.3983986