Saskatchewan dates for national inquiry
- Andréa Ledding | July 14, 2017
The National Inquiry on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirited Peoples (MMIWG2S) has announced the dates for remaining gatherings for 2017. On the week of October 23rd, they will be in Saskatoon.
“This will be our first official stop in Saskatchewan, but we will be back in 2018,” stated Bernée Boulton, Communications Director, in a phone call regarding concerns that other parts of SK would also be consulted.
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Other locations from September to December 2017 include Halifax, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Smithers, Rankin Inlet, Winnipeg, beginning with Thunder Bay on September 10th.
“In Whitehorse, the courage and dignity of the families and survivors who chose to share their story with us was powerful,” noted Chief Commissioner Marion Buller, adding they were both honoured and appreciative of those who have come forward. “We are very grateful for the guidance we’ve received to date at the National Inquiry.”
Community visits will take place from July 17 until September 5 for health teams, community relations, logistics, and legal counsel to lay groundwork for upcoming hearings. Family members, survivors, local organizations and groups will be consulted and met with, while staff seek advice and guidance from Elders and knowledge keepers to respect and include local protocols and ceremonies.
In the summer and fall, two expert panel hearings have also been scheduled: Indigenous Law and Decolonization in Winnipeg this summer, and Human Rights in Montreal in autumn.
Saskatoon staff can be contacted at their office in downtown Saskatoon. Special Assistant Gina Zeegers, aka Jorgina Sunn, can be reached at g.zeegers@mmiwg-ffada.ca. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Community Liaison, Morene Gabriel, can be reached at 204-890-8239 or m.gabriel@mmiwg-ffada.ca.
Prior to the hearings, the National Inquiry is inviting family members, loved ones, and survivors to reach out and identify themselves. The toll-free line is 1-844-348-4119.
If you email Profile@mmiwg-ffada.ca with your name, contact information, and location, a member of the team will contact you. You can also fax 604-775-5009 or send a letter to PO Box 500, Station A, Vancouver, BC V6C 2N3.
There is also a national toll-free 24/7 crisis line available to support anyone at 1-844-413-6649.