AMC’s response to extension of the MMIWG inquiry
June 5, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2018
Treaty One Territory, MB… Today Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) responded to the news that the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) would receive a short extension of its mandate.
“I am glad Canada finally made a decision,” stated Grand Chief Dumas. “The AMC did not support the Commissioners’ request for a two-year extension and an additional $50 million because of all the administrative challenges with the national inquiry. It would have been wrong for Canada to reward a flawed process by providing a full two-year extension and increased funding.”
The AMC recently filed a motion with the national inquiry to compel the inclusion of child welfare/child protection/children in care into the inquiry’s institutional hearings on government services. In denying the AMC’s request, the Commissioner wrote in its decision of May 25, 2018, “The request to hear the motion orally is denied as the Commissioners do not have the ability to hear such a motion within the existing parts II and III hearing schedule without taking time away from the existing hearing schedule.”
“The AMC has remained committed to the national inquiry and ensuring that the process includes issues of concerns for Manitoba First Nations families and survivors,” said Grand Chief Dumas. “We have provided recommendations to the Commissioners on various ways to improve the inquiry process. It is our hope that the Commission will use the additional time to conduct a hearing into the link between child welfare and MMIWG.”
There were several announcements today regarding funding for health services, support for families, the RCMP, and a commemorative fund.
Grand Chief Dumas concluded, “Through our regional First Nation process Families First, we have already heard from Manitoba First Nation families that funding should be provided to carry out immediate actions. However, it will be important to see the full details on how all of this funding will be administered. We are concerned about the details as we are fully aware that Manitoba families have had difficulty accessing health and healing services following the traumatizing testimonies they have made at the hearings.”
The inquiry will wind down its operations by June 30, 2019. Political will is required to prevent further violence against Indigenous women and girls. It is essential that the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada immediately take a close look at the interim report. We are pleased that Canada has begun this work. Governments must continue to implement recommendations from the interim report as necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable women and girls.
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For more information, contact:
Melanie Ferris
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: mferris@manitobachiefs.com Cell: 204.557.0157
Office: 204.987.4143
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene and Dakota people and traditions.