The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will release its final report June 3 and an advocate recommends families and survivors don’t watch alone.
“Plan a self-care activity in advance to nurture your spirit as this event may be triggering to some,” suggests the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls Liaison at Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
“Make a plan to watch the livestream with a support or in a group,” said Hilda Anderson-Pyrz.
The inquiry will live-stream the June 3 event in Gatineau, Que. on its website with simultaneous translation into a number of Indigenous languages.
APTN News will also live-stream the news conference on its Facebook page.
But the information may harm the spirits of those watching or attending community events, said Anderson-Pyrz, who is based in Manitoba.
So on its Facebook page, MKO is sharing her tips about the inquiry’s toll-free, 24-hour support line at 1-844-413-6649 with counselling available in English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway) and Inuktitut.
And, how to access long-term health support services through Indigenous Services Canada.
The inquiry’s final report is expected to include recommendations for governments on how to combat high incidents of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Commissioners say in a release they collected testimony from 1,484 family members and survivors of violence, along with 83 knowledge-keepers, experts and officials at 24 hearings and statement-gathering events in 2017 and 2018.
And 819 people “shared their truths” through artworkm, the release added.
“The closing ceremony and presentation of the final report will signal the dawn of a new day and honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” the inquiry said.
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