By Bryan Eneas

Woman’s Commission requests P.A. MMIWG visit

Nov 22, 2017 | 11:00 AM

Although the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is visiting Saskatoon, one group from Prince Albert is requesting a stop closer to home.

The Prince Albert Grand Council’s Woman’s Commission chair Shirley Henderson said the organization requested the visit two or three weeks ago. The request was submitted to an employee who has since be terminated, but Henderson will meet with representatives in Saskatoon on Nov. 22 to continue the dialogue.  

“We only have three to four families [at the inquiry in Saskatoon] from Prince Albert and area. That’s why I’m pushing for a hearing in Prince Albert,” Henderson said.

Previously, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Heather Bear said the organization was working to get hearings in more locations beyond Saskatoon. Bear said the cost to northerners is high, as travel and accommodation need to be covered. NDP MP and deputy critic of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Georgina Jolibois, said constituents in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding expressed their concerns about hosting hearings in only Saskatoon.

Henderson attended two separate hearings yesterday: one in Regina and a session in Saskatoon with the family of Monica Burns, who asked her to sit with them for support. She described the hearings as stressful, and hard for families to go through.

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“It was hard, but I’ve known the family right from before it happened. I knew them quite well and tried to give them support all along,” Henderson said.

The Woman’s Commission Chair said newly elected Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte planned on attending hearings in Saskatoon on Nov. 22. She said he will speak to families to show his support for them during testimonies.

The inquiry previously held hearings in Whitehorse, Smithers B.C., Winnipeg, and Edmonton.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas