Mother of late cancer patient frustrated by response to complaints about inadequate care

Joyce Tapaquan says justice has not been done for her daughter, who she claims was mistreated by Regina health-care staff.

Juliette Tapaquon, 39, died in 2014 of cervical cancer, after being treated at Regina'sPasquaHospital palliative care unit.

Joycelodged complaints with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan over what she feels was improper care and disrespect by health-care staff.

Juliette'sfamily said during her final days, shewas discriminated against by staffand that her pain was not adequately managed, among other concerns.

• Rally for Juliette Tapaquon held outside Pasqua Hospital

The human rights commission declined to review the case, as it was submitted past the deadline of one year after the alleged incidentsoccuring.

But Joyce is not satisfied, as she feels there has been no consequence for those in charge of her daughter's care.

"I feel like I'm at a stuck point. I feel like nobody's listening. I feel like no one is hearing what I'm saying," she told reporters during a press conference Tuesday.

Justice for her daughter, she said, would include having a room at the PasquaHospital designated Bear Woman Lodge, after her late daughter, and more education forhealth-care workers.

"I'd feel better if they got more awareness of Aboriginal people and First Nations people, and how we live and why we are the way we are today."