In the story ‘Government launches national inquiry into missing Aboriginal women’ published in the Lakes District News’ Dec. 16 issue, http://www.ldnews.net/news/362657911.html, the federal government had announced the launch of a national inquiry to address the high number of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.
According to the federal government, this long-awaited national inquiry can only be designed after hearing from those directly affected.
Meetings are planned across the country to hear from survivors, family members and loved ones of victims, as well as national Aboriginal, provincial, and territorial representatives to seek their views on the design and scope of the inquiry.
Two meetings will take place in B.C. this week - one in Vancouver on Jan. 13 and one in Prince George on Jan. 15.
Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam said that although he won’t be attending the meeting in Prince George, he will send a representative on behalf of Lake Babine Nation. Chief Adam said this meeting will be important to ensure the effectiveness of the national inquiry.
“It's important to get it right and pave the way for all not to happen in the future and seek closure for those effected,” said Chief Adam.
The first two pre-inquiry meetings were held in Ottawa in December 2015. Meetings will take place across the country until the spring of 2016.
Although the meetings will be closed to the general public and media, general summaries will be posted on the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website - http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/ - following each event.
“We are committed to an inclusive and respectful engagement process which incorporates the viewpoints and perspectives of those impacted by this national tragedy," said Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
If you are a survivor, family member or loved one and would like to attend a pre-inquiry meeting, send an e-mail to aadnc.effaad-immiwg.aandc@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-535-7309.