Federal government outlines first phase of missing and murdered indigenous women inquiry

Ottawa unveiled the first phase of its promised national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women this morning.

The Liberal government says they will start with over two months of consultations to build the framework for the actual inquiry in phase two.

“This process must be culturally appropriate, inclusive and respectful to truly respect the realities of First Nations, Inuit, Metis women and girls.” Status of Women’s Minister Patricia Hajdu said “But because this issue is complex, we must be open to a flexible process that includes all voices.”

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said phase one will determine the objectives, focus and parameters of the inquiry.

“This inquiry must find a balance between learning from our past, honouring those who we’ve lost, reviewing our present and making concrete actionable recommendations for our future.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says the inquiry will aim to find concrete action to solve this “national tragedy”.

“That includes seeking justice for the families, support for those families. But what we’ve heard time and time again, is that those families want to prevent this tragedy so that other families don’t have to go through this.”

Interim Conservative Party leader Rona Ambrose has since voiced support for the national inquiry.

The national public inquiry was the first of five priorities announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he address the Assembly of First Nations in Quebec this morning.

The other four include; making investments in First Nations education, lifting the 2% cap on funding for First Nations programs, implementing all 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and repealing legislation imposed on indigenous people by the previous government.