Systemic issues need to be addressed in an inquiry: Madahbee

UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) February 27, 2015 – Anishinabek Nation leaders are supporting those represented at the National Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Roundtable discussions and continue to push for an inquiry.

“An inquiry will enable stakeholders to identify systemic issues – racism, poverty and intergenerational abuse – with respect to violence against women,” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.

“The Harper government just refuses to recognize anything that is going on with Indigenous Peoples.  We need an inquiry now,” says the Grand Council Chief who represents 39 First Nations in Ontario. “We cannot allow this to continue.  Families and friends of Indigenous women and girls of the missing, murdered need answers.  Our communities need healing and Canadian society needs to wake up.”

According to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – to which Canada is signatory:  States shall take measures, in conjunctions with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination.