‘A lot of tears, a lot of anguish’ Ministers meet with victim families for MMIW pre-inquiry
Saskatoon families of missing and murdered indigenous women expressed concerns about an ongoing feeling that their lives have no value at a meeting with federal ministers Wednesday.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett and Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould met with victims’ families to hear their stories and take suggestions ahead of an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. The meeting is part of an 18-city series of discussions meant to provide the blueprint for the inquiry.
“(They feel) it’s not valued by the police, by the justice system, it’s not even valued in getting an autopsy in a timely way,” Bennett said following the morning’s private, circle-style discussion.
Though rooted in treatment of indigenous peoples as far back as Canada’s settlement, recent concerns of carding, racism, and indigenous portrayals in the media have all contributed to a sense of worthlessness among aboriginal individuals, according to Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte
Okemaysim-Sicotte was among those who shared their experiences.
“There was a lot of tears, a lot of anguish, a lot of first-time families speaking. It took a lot of courage and vulnerability to share really personal, tragic stories. It wasn’t easy,” she said.
A visibly solemn Wilson-Raybould described the issue as a national tragedy and expressed renewed commitment to ensuring the voices of the families are heard across the country.