NWAC Dismayed With Ongoing Issues At National Inquiry

OTTAWA, ON - January 11, 2018

The Native Women’s Association of Canada was shocked and outraged to learn today that Debbie Reid, Executive Director of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has resigned.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with survivors of violence and with the families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls who are again having to endure very upsetting news from the Inquiry. These families have faced insurmountable obstacles coming to terms with personal tragedy; this resignation creates instability and a further setback at the National Inquiry.

In the second of two report cards issued by NWAC in 2017 on the status of the National Inquiry, it gave failing grades in almost all key areas. NWAC made definitive recommendations to improve communications, transparency and most other areas of the Inquiry. These recommendations were made in hopes of bringing the direction of the Inquiry to a more successful pathway. The continued lack of communication with families and with NWAC points out the operational issues at the National Inquiry. NWAC is deeply concerned that the ongoing operational failures will damage what remaining trust and belief families may still have in the inquiry.

NWAC strongly believes that in order for the National Inquiry to be a success, it must re-examine its administrative issues and operations. Most importantly, survivors and families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls must come first. These families are left in the dark and are learning the on-goings of the inquiry through sporadic and at times anecdotal communications. It is imperative that the National Inquiry’s leaders implement a clear and robust strategy for transparent communication to benefit families and achieve a successful outcome.30 -
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