Danielle Rochette
APTN National News
The hearings in Val d`Or will wrap up Tuesday before going on the road to other communities across Québec.
The inquiry is examining the relationship between some provincial public services and Indigenous peoples.
In just over a week, the commissioner has heard from witnesses who have drawn a bleak picture of how they are treated by mainstream services – whether it be in the health field or justice.
On Monday, the Atikamekw Nation testified about its relationship with these services – and the fight to get more independence from the province.
“Since 2001 the government of Quebec, as well as its public services intermittently with the Atikamekw, regarding working on a conclusion of an agreement that will provide more autonomy more control on youth protection matters for young Atikamekw up to now we still do not have this article 35.5 conclusion,” said Chief Constant Awashish.
