National Inquiry In Serious Trouble

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National Inquiry In Serious Trouble

May 2017

Read the letter
from the concerned community members, organizations, families
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158712480915290&set=pcb.10158712474880290&type=3&theater

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Second Report Card by Native Women’s Association of Canada
delivers failing grade to
Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls
https://www.nwac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NWAC-Inquiry-Report-Card-May-2017-Final.pdf
The Commission’s overall responsibility
to develop and adhere to timelines regarding to operational/administrative structure - FAIL

The Commission’s overall responsibility to develop and adhere to Communication that provides information, transparency and accountability - FAIL

The Commission’s overall responsibility to develop and build Community Relations that include families, survivors and external stakeholders of plans, interview dates, etc - FAIL

The Commission’s overall responsibility to develop and build capacity to ensure that all those involved are compensated to a degree that ensures their ability to meaningfully engage in the Inquiry process - FAIL

The Commission has acted on its mandate to set up an inquiry process that, to the extent possible, is informal, trauma-informed, and respectful of the individuals, families and communities concerned - FAIL

NWAC Interim President Francyne D. Joe
Introduces the 2nd Inquiry Into MMIWG Report Card

Dear Families, Communities, Stakeholders, and Commisioners,

On behalf of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, I would like to present our second Report Card assessing the success of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls in fulfilling its responsibilities over the past three months.
https://www.nwac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NWAC-Inquiry-Report-Card-May-2017-Final.pdf
NWAC has a history of working with families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and creating networks of families through a series of projects such as Family Gatherings, Narrative and Digital Storytelling, Sisters In Spirit Vigils, and its premiere research. We feel a deep responsibility to the families and communities who are at the heart of our work and remain dedicated to producing results and taking actions that we hope can begin to fulfill our duty to the Indigenous women and girls whose interests we represent.

In order to provide feedback that is strength-based, solution-focused, and productive, fairness must be our primary concern. We have acknowledged our personal connections to this work and applied a critical eye to eliminating any emotional reactions from this document. Our last Report Card, drafted with minimal information from the Inquiry, called for transparency, communication, and a process that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. It is now our solemn task to identify the areas where this Inquiry has failed and once again appeal to have families come first and for NWAC to be meaningfully consulted in a process in which we are deeply invested.

We are not asking anyone, especially families, to be patient with this Inquiry as it progresses. We are asking that you remain strong and face adversity with the same determination that has made this Inquiry possible. In solidarity, we will not back down until this Inquiry is what we were promised. To the families and communities, this is your Inquiry to shape and your opportunity to share your stories. To the stakeholders, this is a chance for healing as a nation and a vital step in the process of decolonization and reconciliation. To the Commissioners and staff of the Inquiry, the great challenge presented by this work is an impetus to incredible growth and possibility.

I urge you to find your voice in holding this Inquiry accountable and to continue to join us in advocating for a process that reflects our shared values, hopes, and dreams. We need you to keep writing and signing letters to the Inquiry, holding your own community gatherings, and speaking to the media in order for your stories to be told and your positions to be known. It is my hope that our shared focus may result in an outcome that honours our MMIWG in the way that they deserve and contributes to a future free from violence for the Indigenous women and girls we love.

Sincerely,



Francyne Joe

Interim President, Native Women’s Association of Canada



Your concerns are important. Please email or call us at:

reception@nwac.ca

Telephone: 613.722.3033

Toll-Free: 1.800.461.4043

To make yourself available for contact by the media at your discretion, please contact:

Amy Ede

Director of Communications

Tel: 613-722-3033 ext. 100

Toll-Free: 1.800.461.4043 ext. 100

Email: aede@nwac.ca

Website: http://www.nwac.ca

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May 23, 2017

National Chief Perry Bellegarde Says Clear Communication with Family Members is Essential in Ensuring the Success of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde supports the many families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls who have expressed their growing frustration with the National Inquiry.

Family members and the AFN have continually made strong, clear calls for action and justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and their families. National Chief Bellegarde expressed concerns in an open letter last October regarding the lack of communication with families and First Nations in general. The letter then urged the Commissioners to immediately reach out to clearly communicate the plans and timing for the national inquiry to First Nations, Indigenous peoples and organizations, and, most of all, the families. National Chief Bellegarde invited Commissioners on three occasions to meet with First Nations leaders, women, youth and Elders, many of whom have been directly affected by this tragedy. Those invitations have all been declined.

“Clear communication and outreach to family members are essential to rebuild trust and ensure the National Inquiry is a success,” National Chief Bellegarde said. “Survivors, family members and members of the public rightfully expect transparency on the part of Inquiry Commissioner’s regarding their plans and timelines. We look forward to increased communication as promised in the Open Letter released by Commissioner Buller on May 19.”

When the launch of the National Inquiry was announced, many family members were hopeful that the Inquiry process would result in justice for the victims and an opportunity for family members to be heard and to heal.

In recent weeks, family members, First Nations and First Nation leadership have expressed serious concerns about the on-going delays and lack of transparency on the part of the National Inquiry. National Chief Bellegarde maintains that the Inquiry must take a “families first” approach in all its work, based on respect for survivors and family members, and the values of communication and openness. The AFN is guided by the voices of the family members who fought long and hard for the National Inquiry to become a reality.

“Survivors, family members, and all Indigenous women and girls have the right to expect better in the protection of their basic human rights to safety and security,” said National Chief Bellegarde

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

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For more information, please contact:

Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary - National Chief’s Office
613-241-6789 ext. 222
343-540-6179 (cell)
jamiem@afn.ca

Alain Garon
Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789 ext. 382
613-292-0857 (cell)
agaron@afn.ca