The Tatyanna Harrison case has been officially reopened by B.C.’s chief coroner following public pressure from her family and advocacy groups calling for a full inquest into her 2022 death. Harrison, a 20-year-old Indigenous woman, was found deceased aboard a docked yacht in Richmond in May of that year.
Her mother, Natasha Harrison, was initially told her daughter had died from fentanyl toxicity and that no criminal activity was suspected. However, a later coroner’s report cited sepsis as the cause of death, deepening the family’s concern and confusion.
This week, organizations including Justice for Girls and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs revealed that an independent forensic review had dismissed both conclusions. The review determined that the cause of death could not be established, intensifying calls for transparency.
Inquest Ordered Amid Public Pressure
On Tuesday, Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, B.C.’s Chief Coroner, announced a public inquest into the Tatyanna Harrison case, citing Section 18 of the Coroners Act.
“As a parent, I cannot fathom the trauma and grief the Harrison family has experienced,” Baidwan said. “The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and the concerns raised by the family only add to that pain.”
The inquest will aim to publicly examine the events and handling of Harrison’s death, offering long-overdue answers for her family.
Broader Context: Other Indigenous Deaths Under Scrutiny
Harrison’s case is one of three involving young Indigenous women whose families continue to demand inquests. The deaths of Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O’Soup, also in 2022, remain under investigation, with their families pushing for public accountability.
Baidwan confirmed that both cases are still active. “We have not yet made determinations regarding inquests in those cases, but discussions with their families are ongoing,” he noted.
Advocates Respond: A Step Forward After Years of Delay
Sue Brown, director of advocacy at Justice for Girls, welcomed the reopening of the Tatyanna Harrison case as a sign of progress. However, she emphasized that it should not have taken three years for action to be taken.
“Families should be supported, not forced to fight for answers,” she said. “Having to reopen the investigation and sit with these unanswered questions is agonizing.”
According to Brown, Natasha Harrison is deeply relieved by the decision, though the emotional toll remains immense. “This is a step toward healing, but it comes after years of avoidable frustration.”
Ongoing Concerns About Law Enforcement Response
Advocates continue to highlight concerns with how authorities handled Harrison’s disappearance. Natasha Harrison reported that her daughter’s missing person case suffered a 20-day delay due to jurisdictional confusion between Vancouver and Surrey police.
She also raised alarm over the fact that her daughter was found naked from the waist down, yet no rape kit was initially administered. Though one was eventually completed, the family is still awaiting the results.
Next Steps in the Inquest Process
Justice for Girls will work closely with the B.C. Coroners Service to determine the timeline of the inquest. The family will have opportunities to participate in the proceedings and advocate for justice.
Brown expressed hope that inquests will also be granted for Poorman and O’Soup, whose families continue to wait for clarity. “There are still many unanswered questions. Public inquests can help bring those to light.
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