Family of Indigenous B.C. youth who died in care say they believe she froze to death

The family of an Indigenous teenager in provincial care who died in Port Alberni, B.C., wants answers from those responsible for her well-being.

Chantelle Williams, 18, was found outside and unresponsive by a passerby in the 4900 block of Ian Avenue during the early hours of Jan. 28.

Williams was in the guardianship care of Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services and living in a group home run by Inside Out Care Corporation when she died.

Her family says it believes she froze to death.

Environment Canada records for Jan 28 show that temperatures dropped below –5 C,  –7 C with the wind chill.

Two ambulances attended Williams at 5:09 a.m. PT, according to B.C. Emergency Health Services spokesperson Bowen Osoko. She was taken to hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead.

The location where Williams was found is only a few blocks from her group home, according to her family. 

"Usma told us she died of natural causes. It seemed strange because she was so young," said Williams' aunt Shannon Nookemus.

 "That just doesn't sit with everybody because she's 18 years old," said Williams' uncle Sean Walls. "Dies of a natural cause at 18?"

Another uncle says the family remains in the dark as to why his niece was outside that night.  

"Somebody has to come out and tell the truth on what happened and who's at fault, and, you know, a simple apology. There has been nothing of that sort," said Martin Watts. 

The B.C. Coroners Service said the investigation into the cause of death is still open and active. Police are treating Williams' death as non-criminal pending the outcome of the coroner's investigation, according to RCMP Sgt. Chet Carrol.

Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services is a delegated agency of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) president Judith Sayers, who speaks for Usma, said in an email to CBC News: "The death of every child is heartbreaking and tragic. The NTC expresses our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and community at the loss of a child."