Voices from the launch of the inquiry into missing, murdered indigenous women

GATINEAU, Que. — Some of what was said Wednesday about the forthcoming inquiry into Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls:

“This journey began over a decade ago, when I first met with many of the families who are here with us today. Their stories about their mothers, daughters, aunties and cousins who had tragically gone missing or were murdered were heartwrenching … It’s because of these courageous women and families who knew something was very wrong that we are here today.” — Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.

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“The big houses behind me … represent the strength and resilience of the human spirit, the strength of indigenous peoples and it is that strength, the culture, the traditions and our languages that are going to assist in healing, that are going to chart a new path to the future where indigenous peoples can finally see their face in the mirror of our Constitution.” — Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

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“Canada’s colonial history altered indigenous communities and families and the racism brought on by colonization has had devastating impacts on indigenous women’s power, their status, their role in their communities and their economic situations. This intersection of racism and sexism greatly increases the vulnerability of indigenous women and girls to experience violence. Changing these attitudes and practices will require a steady and an honest gaze.” — Status of Women Minister Patricia Hajdu.

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“The spirits of the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls will be close in our hearts and in our minds as we do our work. The families and the survivors’ losses, pain, strength and courage will inspire our work.” — chief commissioner Marion Buller.

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“We have arrived at a new beginning: an inquiry that we hope will help us end the violence that indigenous women and girls face every day of their lives.” — Dawn Lavell-Harvard, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

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“There’s racism, there’s discrimination, there’s misogyny, there’s genocide, there’s colonization, there’s oppression and there’s also exploitation of women and that has to stop. Because the simple message to everyone is this: indigenous lives matter. Indigenous women and girls, their lives are important. Their lives matter and they’re not any less than anybody else.” — National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Assembly of First Nations.

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“It is high time that the embarrassment and shame that we carry gets addressed through this inquiry.” — Melanie Omeniho, president of Women of the Metis Nation.

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“For this inquiry to be meaningful to Inuit, it must be led by indigenous women, including an Inuk woman. This is to me a fundamental matter of principle, equality and trust.” — Rebecca Kudloo, president of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.

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The Canadian Press