THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler stood proud in his support today calling for an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa. “Today we reflect on and remember all the women who have fallen victim to violence in their lives,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Fiddler. “Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. Violence against women is an appalling human rights violation. But it is not inevitable. We can put a stop to this.”
The Resolution, which unanimously passed today, calls for an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women as well as to work towards a national framework of action. NAN Deputy Grand Chief Fiddler seconded the AFN Resolution titled: Direct Action on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Woman.
The Resolution is in conjunction with the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada today. It is in accordance with the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre in which 14 women were singled out for their gender and murdered. It is often marked by vigils, discussions and other reflections on violence against women. The commemoration date was established by Canada in 1991.
According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission young Indigenous women are five times more likely to die as a result of violence.
