The inquest into the death of Sherry Charlie, a 19-month-old Native toddler who was beaten death by her uncle, began on Monday.

Charlie and her older brother had been placed in their uncle's home by a First Nations child welfare agency three weeks before her death in September 2002. No background check had been conducted of Ryan George, who has a criminal record. George pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The inquiry will focus on the role of the Native child welfare agency and the British Columbia government in the tragedy. Last July, the province released a report [Case Review | Recommendations] that found lack of compliance with standards and agreements.

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Inquiry begins into B.C. toddler's tragic death (CP 2/6)
Inquest begins into infant's death (CBC 2/6)