Two years following the passing of her father in 2022, Amanda Large was informed of distressing news that added to her grief and raised new questions: her father’s brain, removed during an autopsy, had not been cremated and returned to her family alongside his body. Instead, it had been left in the back of a hospital refrigerator in Victoria, B.C., for several years until it was found in 2024 by someone cleaning the fridge.
Large expressed the emotional difficulty of reliving traumatic events surrounding her father’s passing, stating, “The situation was very preventable, and now I don’t know when or how I’m gonna heal from this.” Her father, Philip Peter Billy, aged 55, hailed from the Ehattesaht First Nation on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. According to Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president Judith Sayers, it is crucial for members of the nation to be laid to rest promptly, ideally within four days, with their body intact.
In response to the unsettling discovery of her father’s remains, Large and her family have been seeking answers and justice, including initiating a civil lawsuit against Island Health and the B.C. Coroner’s Service. Despite inquiries, the health authority, coroner’s service, and B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger declined to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Large expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and fear that a similar incident could occur with another member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. She highlighted a past incident involving three-year-old Margaret Thomas from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in 1997, where her eyes were removed during an autopsy and not returned to the family, sparking prolonged distress and legal action.
The impact of such cases has led to the development of new cultural protocols within local First Nations, as Large emphasized the importance of supporting those affected by similar losses. Additionally, she mentioned the burden of anticipating and potentially responding to future occurrences, adding to the challenge of grieving her father’s ordeal.
Describing her father as a gentle and kind individual who faced hardships, Large shared details of his difficult life, including a traumatic brain injury sustained during an arrest in 2017. The delays in cremating her father’s body post-autopsy, coupled with the unexpected discovery of his brain in a hospital refrigerator, further compounded the family’s emotional distress.
The mishandling of Billy’s remains for over two years has evoked strong reactions from the Ehattesaht First Nation, with elected counsellor Chrissie John emphasizing the systemic racism prevalent in medical institutions. Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president Sayers echoed sentiments of disbelief and dismay over the careless mistake that led to the misplacement of Billy’s remains.
Calls for reform have emerged from various stakeholders, including demands for transparency, accountability, and stronger regulations within Island Health and the coroner’s service. Large emphasized the need for clear policies and improved record-keeping to prevent similar incidents in the future, as she continues her legal pursuit for justice and compensation for the emotional toll on her family.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Large and her family are undertaking the process of laying Billy’s ashes to rest, culminating in a heartfelt ceremony to scatter his remains in their traditional territory. The journey of closure and healing continues for the family, as they navigate the aftermath of the unsettling events surrounding their beloved father’s passing.
