APTN National News
Following the first meeting with families of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Ottawa before Christmas the federal government will next meet in Thunder Bay Wednesday to hear what families hope to see in a national inquiry.
Following the meeting in Thunder Bay, representatives from the Liberal government will head to Yellowknife Friday, then on to Whitehorse Jan. 11, Vancouver Jan. 13 and Prince George, B.C. Jan. 15.
More locations will be added as they are confirmed, the government said on a dedicated web page to the meetings.
The pre-inquiry meetings are aimed at gathering information to help the Liberal government draw up the terms of reference for a national inquiry expected to happen later this year.
The first meeting happened Dec. 11 at a downtown Ottawa hotel and was attended by the Minister of Indigenous Affairs Carolyn Bennet, Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould and Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu.
Over 70 family members also attended the closed-door meeting, as well as front-line Indigenous organizations.
One of the main questions asked was who should take part in the inquiry and family said they wanted a “strong Indigenous, female lead” and representatives from family members and loved ones.
Elders, grassroots leadership and Indigenous legal experts should be involved, as well.
Click here for more information on the meetings and summaries.
