Concerns about missing and murdered indigenous women inquiry

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A coalition of advocacy groups in BC is calling on the missing and murdered women’s inquiry and governments to do a better job reaching out to families.

The inquiry is holding regional advisory meetings this month before its first public hearing in Whitehorse on May 29th.

Fay Blaney of the Coalition on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is concerned about reports that only only 100 family members and survivors have been identified by the national inquiry. She says the inquiry should be more proactive in reaching out to families who have lost loved ones.

“The main thing that we’re really pushing for… is to get more clear and more increased communication from the commissioners, more encouragement, less passivity. Get that database built up and do what you need to do.”

Blaney says inquiry commissioners should request that all levels of government contact family members and survivors in their databases and ensure they know how to register with the national inquiry.

The DNA of Michele Pineault’s daughter was found on serial killer Robert Pickton’s farm and she says many family members still don’t know how to get involved in the inquiry.

“This is the last chance that family members that want to be heard will be heard this inquiry’s very very important to a lot of people.”

Lorelei Williams’ aunt went missing decades ago and Williams says more information must be shared between the inquiry, federal and provincial governments to ensure families are contacted.

“I’m feeling so frustrated and very upset about what is going on with this inquiry so far. There’s a lack of communication between the federal government, commissioners, family members and survivors. Families are freaking out right now.”

The inquiry says family members or survivors who want to share their stories can get in touch via email or a toll-free phone number.