CANADA—The first of many meetings on the longstanding issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls took place in Ottawa last month, led by the Government of Canada, with the purpose of hearing from those directly affected. The objective is to design and shape a national inquiry, which was announced by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Carolyn Bennett late last year.

At the first meeting in Ottawa, participants recommended a panel or board comprised of a strong indigenous female lead with representatives from family members and loved ones, elders, a balance of genders, experience and training, non-political leadership and skilled and experienced indigenous legal experts and professionals. The meeting was led by three federal ministers: Minister Bennett, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould, and the Minister of Status of Women, Patty Hajdu and included survivors, families and loved ones of victims.

Priorities and key issues discussed at that first meeting included: the root causes of violence and abuse; effects of violence and abuse; ways to prevent violence and abuse; impacts of poverty, drugs and addictions; specific circumstances tied to the sex trade and human trafficking; healing and supports, cultural sensitivity training, education and awareness, especially anti-violence education; impacts of colonialism, residential schools, the ‘60s scoop, child and family services; racism, cultural ignorance and discrimination; intergenerational impacts on the children left behind and the grandparents who care for them; laws and policing practices; media treatment of cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls; adequate funding to ensure specific actions be put in place and monitored; and accessibility to chiefs and indigenous leaders.

“In general, the participants agreed that solving the problem of violence will be a long-term process,” the ministry website states. “The Inquiry must also include healing processes to acknowledge and address the trauma felt by those affected.”

There are 13 meetings remaining with dates in Ontario scheduled for February 5 in Toronto and February 15 in Ottawa. The government is urging survivors, family members or loved ones to attend where it is most convenient. For more information, email FFADA-MMIWG@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca or call 1-877-535-7309.