The Liberal government launched the first phase of a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, promising a wide-ranging – and likely expensive – examination of the disproportionate level of violence against this population.
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Her comments are in stark contrast to former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper, who consistently rejected calls for an inquiry.
Trudeau said another government priority will be to make “significant investments” in First Nations education.
“It is time for a renewed nation to nation relationship with First Nations peoples.” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Some family members said they felt compelled to head to Parliament Hill to hear first-hand how the initial steps of the inquiry will take shape.
The Liberals have pledged to spend $40 million on the inquiry, which they initially projected to last two years.
“You can’t say you want families to come in and be able to testify and expect them to be able to do that on their own”, said Mulcair.
While stressing the need for “a total renewal between Canada and First Nations people”, Trudeau noted that the victims and their families “deserve justice”.
For more information on the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly taking place December 8-10 please visit: http://www.afn.ca/en/2015-special-chiefs-assembly.
Trudeau’s speech, delivered to a special assembly of chiefs from the Assembly of First Nations in Gatineau, Que., is part of a broader promise to reset the fractured relationship between Ottawa and Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.
“You have made a great start in changing the narrative, prime minister”.
The inquiry, the ministers said, will also consider the underlying “root causes” that are contributing to the tragedy, including poverty, racism, sexism, and marginalization of indigenous women and girls.
CBC News will tweet the name and stories of over 250 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women profiled in our online database after today’s announcement.
She says while no inquiry can undo what has happened, it will help find a way forward because Canada “can and must do better”.
“We have been fighting for this for so long, and it’s got me very emotional”.
“I know that renewing our relationship is an ambitious goal, but I am equally certain that it is one we can, and will, achieve if we work together”. “In February 2015, we held a gathering of the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to ensure that their voices, crucial to the process, are heard”.
He said he is committed to implementing suggestions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including an implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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The 2% cap on funding for First Nations programs previously upheld by the Canadian government will be lifted, he said. If those laws do not meet those tests, said Mr. Trudeau, “we will rescind them”.
