Inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women opens in Quebec

The national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls has made its way to Quebec.

The hearings took place Monday in the Innu community of Uashat Mani-Utenam on the north shore, across from Sept-Iles.

Scheduled to last five days, the emotional testimony began with drums and chanting before people shared their stories of violence and pain.

A ritual took place during the hearing, where tissues are collected from those who have used them to wipe their tears. They are then burned in a sacred fire, meant to help with healing.

“I also want to acknowledge the many families and survivors of violence who are here to share their truths with us this week. Thank you for the trust that you put into the national inquiry,” said inquiry commissioner Brian Eyolfson. “It's the truths that you share that inform the national inquiry and carry this process forward for positive change.”

More than 60 family members are expected to testify over five days, including Melanie Morrison.

"My sister went missing in 2006. Her remains were found in 2010 and her murder is still... her file is active," said Morrison.

No date has been set so far for Montreal, though families have been pushing to have them held there, saying it would be more accessible to a greater number of people.

Since it launched in September 2016, the inquiry has travelled the country gathering information, hearing from families, communities, experts, and institutions.

Commissioners are mandated to examine and report on the underlying and systemic factors that contribute to violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

The final report is expected to include: findings on the systemic and underlying causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, and actions to address this violence; policies and practices to reduce violence; and ways to commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

A 2014 RCMP identified 1200 indigenous women who were killed or who disappeared between 1980 and 2012.

The government has dedicated $53.8 million for the inquiry, and a final report is set to be completed in November 2018.

 

With a report from CTV’s Rachel Aiello

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  Chief commissioner Marion Buller listens before the start of hearings at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in Smithers, B.C., on Tuesday September 26, 2017. The commissioners of the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls will issue an interim update later today on the progress they've made to date. (Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS)