Setting the Direction for the Thunder Bay Hearings

THUNDER BAY – The Opening ceremonies for the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls National Enquiry got underway in Thunder Bay on Sunday, December 3, 2017, One of the components was a Jingle Dress Healing dance and the invited dancers were also asked to address the audience. The Inquiry will be in Thunder Bay for the next three days listening and gathering information and evidence on the cases involving murdered and missing women and girls.

Tonight’s opening ceremonies at the Best Western Nor’Wester hotel start off the local meetings.

There is a ceremonial fire lit at the hotel, and prayers and songs and a feast with bison stew and fish for the participants.

The goal of the Thunder Bay inquiry is to ensure that the voices of the local people are heard.

Critics of the process have noted that the effort got off to a difficult start. However, one participant speaking to NetNewsLedger said that each individual case of trauma is different and dealing with the hurt and pain will be different and difficult for each individual.

Commissioners Michèle Audette and Brian Eyolfson will hear from about 50 family members and survivors through public and private hearings, sharing circle testimonies and artistic expression panels. There will also be statement gatherers on-site that can accommodate up to another 40 walk-ins who may wish to register.

Scheduling runs from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Standard Time daily.