June 16, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) - The national Indigenous organizations (NIOs) assembled in Ottawa yesterday to receive updates on progress and strategies from representatives of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry) including Chief Commissioner Marion Buller and Commissioners Brian Eyolfson, Marilyn Poitras, and Qajaq Robinson. Also in attendance were the Executive Director Michèle Moreau, Director of Communications Bernée Bolton and Director of Community Relations Waneek Horn-Miller. Commissioner Michèle Audette and Lead Commission Counsel Susan Vella joined the Ottawa assembly via teleconference, Delilah Saunders attended on behalf of the Family Advisory Circle, and Grandmother and Elder Blu Waters provided opening and closing addresses. The meeting was co-chaired by Jean Teillet on behalf of the NIOs and Commissioner Marilyn Poitras on behalf of the National Inquiry.
The meeting was held in response to a joint letter from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), Pauktuutit and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (Women of the Métis Nation/WMN) expressing dissatisfaction with the degree of their involvement, disappointment with the lack of information received from the National Inquiry to date, and offering renewed support. Joined today by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the leadership of the NIOs sat down for the first face-to-face meeting between the NIOs and the National Inquiry since an informal meet and greet in February.
Some updates on work plans and the Inquiry’s communications strategy were shared. Highlights of the discussions and shared commitments include:
“I look forward to strengthening relationships of trust and sharing with the organizations,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller.
Chief Commissioner Marion Buller, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Robert Bertrand, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Francyne Joe, Interim President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada
Rebecca Kudloo, President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
Melanie Omeniho, President of the Women of the Métis Nation
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For information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565
Pour obtenir plus d’information ou prendre des dispositions pour une interview, contacter:
communications@nwac.ca
343-996-4565