THUNDER BAY – December 4, 2017 – MMIWG National Inquiry Commissioner Brian Eylofson spokes to media at the start of the inquiry hearings in Thunder Bay. The Inquiry is expecting to hear testimony from about fifty families. On-site are support persons, Elders, and other needed help.
Commissioner Eylofson is from Treaty Three. “I am looking forward to listening to and supporting the families. I believe there are fifty families who are registered. We have a pretty good turnout.”
“We are here for three or four days, and we will be doing hearings in-camera”.
Asked about the issues here in Thunder Bay regarding racism, Eylofson said, “In all the locations we have been across Canada we have heard about racism and I don’t expect it to be different here. We will wait to hear from the people”.
There is a statement gathering process as well, for in-camera testimony as well. Commissioners share that they realize there are many people who are just not comfortable in sharing their stories in a public forum, or even in attending the hearings.
There are according to the Commissioner, Police Services who are looking to participate in future sessions, as the Inquiry continues.
Eylofson stated, “The National Inquiry will be making a request to extend the Inquiry. I think it is important for us to do this work well. To do this in a good way, we definitely need more time”.
As the Inquiry starts the two public days of the hearings in Thunder Bay, followed by a final day of private closed-door sessions,
