Saskatoon city council supports missing women inquiry

Saskatoon city council has passed a motion to support a national inquiry or round table into missing and murdered indigenous women.

“For me this motion has two intended purposes. One is draw attention to an issue that has profound effects on our community and the second is to lend support to those people who are working to combat this issue,” Coun. Mairin Loewen explained.

At the end of September, Loewen initially introduced a notice of motion to support an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. At Monday’s council meeting, all nine councillors in attendance and Mayor Don Atchison voted in favour of adding their voices to the activists, leaders, and governments across Canada which are calling for an inquiry.

“The reality is in Canada unfortunately very clear. According to Statistics Canada, aboriginal women are three times more likely to experience violent victimization than non aboriginal women. In addition they are significantly over represented as victims of homicide,” Loewen said.

“Behind these statistics are stories of individual women and sadly many women in Saskatoon.”

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Loewen said the complex issues of racism and misogyny directly impact constituents in Saskatoon and it is the councils responsibility to create a safe, secure, and fair community for everyone.

“Some will question the utility of an inquiry or a round table but the status quo is doing damage to our community and its residents and the issue needs to be dressed publicly and with a commitment to action,” she said.

Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik (Women Walking Together), a group that has organized vigils, rallies and lectures to raise awareness since 2005, co-chair Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte spoke to council about the importance of a collective voice for Saskatoon and for Canada.

“I’m a resident here… I’ve raised my family in Saskatoon,” she said.

“An inquiry does not mean that we don’t continue with the action that already exists. An inquiry and an action plan can operate simultaneously.”

Coun. Troy Davies said he would like to see council take steps further.

“One thing I do want to see…. is to go past the inquiry side of this,” he said.

“It’s easy to lose the sight of it when you are just in inquiries and talking and talking, I hope we take action.”

Coun. Charlie Clark spoke of his experiences at rallies in the community and how many people are directly impacted by missing or murdered friends or family members.

“I think by speaking out as a community about this and adding our voice to the national conversation about the need to put an end to the crimes against these women,” he said.

“Really get to the bottom of what’s leading to this happening over and over again, (that) is very appropriate.”

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