National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Sought

THUNDER BAY – The Mishkeegogaming Walkers held closing ceremonies for their walk to Thunder Bay on Saturday. The walk, a 650 kilometre trek to honour and remember women from the community who have been murdered or have gone missing.

The Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, and Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler along with Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak were a few of the dignitaries who were on hand to share with the walkers and their families and community members.

It was an emotion day. The combination of celebration of the walk, and the sadness that the walk and the goal of a national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is still something being sought by the people.

Ontario Regional Chief Beardy

Nishnawbe-Aski Grand Chief Harvey Yesno

Mishkeegogaming Chief Connie Gray Mckay and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Derek Nepinak

Co-founder of the Full Moon Memory Walk, Sharon Johnson addressed the audience and shared the story of her sister who was murdered in Thunder Bay and remains one of the unsolved murders of a First Nation woman.

The families shared their stories of the walk, and memories of their missing loved ones.

The afternoon was a combination of smiles, tears, and hope.