APTN National News
The five commissioners tasked with examining the high number of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or murdered are scheduled to start hearings in May.
News of the starting month was buried in a release dated Feb. 23, about meetings with families and communities on how the inquiry should be structured.
The five commissioners that make up the panel were named to the inquiry in August 2016.
Since then, families have been anxiously awaiting news on when the hearings would begin and where they will be sitting.
The commissioners have been meeting with families from across the country to get an idea of how best the inquiry can meet the needs of survivors and communities.
According to the release, “participants of this first circle were invited to the meeting after being recognized as among the leaders in pushing the Federal Government to hold an Inquiry. More families and friends will be included as the National Inquiry moves forward.”
“The circle allowed the commissioners to hear what some families believe is necessary to conduct safe and culturally relevant hearings,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller in the release. “The families provided the Commissioners straightforward and respectful guidance such as what tools and supports will be needed during hearings. It was important to have guidance from families in different regions and backgrounds.”
More family circles are expected to be held prior to May’s hearings.
