The Canadian federal government last week established an official commission to lead a two-year investigation into the death or disappearance of thousands of indigenous women across Canada over the past three decades. The commission will “explore the . . . underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional and historical causes” of violence against indigenous women, in addition to researching best practices and issuing a set of detailed recommendations. The commission’s mandate was approved by all Canadian provinces and territories, which will allow review of local government and law enforcement policies that may contribute to the high rate of violence against native women and girls. The commission will begin its work in September and is expected to produce a final report by the end of 2018.
Victims’ and indigenous women’s groups have long advocated for an official investigation into missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. However, some groups are concerned that the newly created commission will not adequately support victims or effectively investigate the police.
Compiled from: Galloway, Gloria, Concerns linger as Ottawa launches missing, murdered indigenous women inquiry, The Globe and Mail (August 3, 2016).