August 9th, 2016

What to watch for as the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women moves ahead

After almost a decade of fighting for a federal inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people, last week’s announcement marks a critical milestone on the path towards justice.

Here’s what New Democrats will be watching for as the inquiry unfolds:

The Government must:

Read: What NDP MPs are saying

“The existence of this inquiry is thanks to the tireless work of Indigenous women, activists, survivors of violence and the families of missing and murdered women, girls and two-spirited people who never gave up their search for justice, who never accepted a no from any government. This inquiry is a very important first step, but we still have a long way to go to achieve closure for families who have suffered thought the tragic loss or disappearance of a loved one."

— Sheila Malcolmson, NDP Status of Women Critic

"I am hearing the desire for law enforcement to be involved and given the necessary resources to solve cold cases of missing Indigenous women from all over Saskatchewan; cases like that of my friend, Myrna Laprise, and her family, who want to know what happened to her aunt who disappeared years ago."

— Georgina Jolibois, NDP Deputy Critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that particular attention must be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous women and that States must take measures, in conjunction with Indigenous peoples, to ensure that Indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination. I am hopeful that justice can finally happen and Indigenous families can have closure at last."

— Romeo Saganash, NDP Intergovernmental Aboriginal Affairs Critic

Watch: Romeo Saganash’s moving speech calling for the national inquiry