Missing and murdered Indigenous women inquiry delves into systemic issues – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
May 28, 2018 

CALGARY _ A hearing in Calgary is delving into how lack of mental-health care, victims services and housing contributes to the vulnerability of Indigenous women.

Commissioners from the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls are holding the first of two hearings on government services.

They are to hear from 10 witnesses, including the chief federal prosecutor in Yukon.

Other witnesses include officials from the federal government, Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan.

The inquiry has already heard from 1,200 people across the country whose loved ones have been killed or disappeared.

Inquiry commissioner Qajaq Robinson says a recurring theme has been a lack of access to services and a justice system that is hard to navigate.

“I want to encourage all of those here to speak to shed your title, shed guilt, shed defensiveness and recognize that the status quo as it is is unacceptable _ fundamentally unacceptable,” she said in opening remarks Monday.

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