BR MMIW Inquiry Smithers – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Sep 26, 2017

SMITHERS, B.C. – A commissioner at the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women says she expects powerful testimony at the latest hearings, which begin today in central B-C.

Michele Audette says she’s already felt a lot of emotion, anxiety and stress from families and loved ones as she joined them on a memorial walk last week along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears.

The walk ended yesterday in Smithers, where more than 40 people have signed up to speak at the second round of hearings held by the inquiry.

Audette says this will be the first time many of the families have talked publicly about their experience, so she joined the walk to honour their resilience and strength.

Gladys Radek organized the five-day trek in memory of her niece Tara Lynn Chipman, who is one of dozens of women who have disappeared or been killed along the highway between Prince Rupert and Prince George in central B-C.

As they arrived in Smithers, she cried as she thanked the participants for showing the commissioners the love they have for the missing and murdered women.

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(The Canadian Press)

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