Families of missing, murdered indigenous women begin speaking at inquiry
Posted May 30, 2017 4:00 am.
Last Updated May 30, 2017 7:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The first family hearings in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are set to begin Tuesday in Whitehorse.
Thirteen people representing four families are expected to publicly share their stories inside a white tent decorated with colourful blankets.
Chief Commissioner Marion Buller says she anticipates a long day, as she and her four fellow commissioners will give opening statements and then allow participants as much time as they need to speak.
The hearings opened Monday with a sacred fire-lighting ceremony at sunrise and a traditional feast in the evening.
They’re set to continue through Thursday, when a closing ceremony will take place.
Other community meetings have been delayed until the fall, but Buller says the hearings are going ahead in Whitehorse because of peoples’ willingness to participate.
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