Ministers of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet will meet with the families of missing and murdered indigenous women this Friday, an important first step that indigenous leaders and advocates urged for when the Liberal government first announced plans to launch the inquiry.
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The commissioner of B.C.’s missing women inquiry in 2012 says aboriginal people in this country have been treated terribly and many have given up hope of being heard.
Activists, aboriginal leadership and many victims’ families have been calling for a national inquiry for over five years – a move which was resisted by Trudeau’s conservative predecessor, Stephen Harper.
Trudeau has made working with the aboriginal community to rectify ongoing issues a priority.
“As you know, that limit has been in place for almost 20 years”, Trudeau said “It hasn’t kept up with the demographic realities of your communities, nor the actual costs of program delivery”.
Trudeau told the crowd this is not about change, but rather a renewal of the relationship with First Nations.
Chief Bobby Cameron says believes it is a new day for Canada where government, leaders and communities can work together to improve the quality of life for First Nations people in Canada. “The victims deserve justice, their families an opportunity to heal, and to be heard”, said Trudeau.
Aboriginal dancers and elders walk with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde as they enter the hall at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau…
“It is time for a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations peoples”, Trudeau proclaimed.
Hajdu will join Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould for an inquiry-related announcement in Ottawa, although no further details have been provided.
The removal of the funding cap, which was imposed originally to keep transfer payments in line with inflation, has been at the top of the First Nations wish list for years. He said the new approach must also by guided by the “spirit and intent” of original treaties so that inherent rights are respected.
His speech marked the first time a prime minister has ever addressed delegates at the opening of an AFN assembly.
“I think initially what it brings is validation, that the fact that someone is actually listening and that someone does care about the issue”.
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Trudeau promised to “fully implement” the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which examined the residential schools saga.
