MMIWG: National Inquiry hears from 36 witnesses during Moncton Community Hearing
Press Release
February 19, 2018
Moncton, New Brunswick – Last week the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls heard from 36 family members and survivors during its 10th Community Hearing held on February 13 and 14, 2018. Testimony was provided through statement gathering and public hearings- including both a Knowledge Keepers panel and a Youth panel.
Over two days there were four public proceedings with a total of 12 witnesses. Commissioner Michele Audette heard from family members sharing their truths about three lost loved ones and about personal experiences of violence from survivors.
There were also 20 statements collected by four Statement Gatherers on-site. In total, 24 witnesses shared stories about the lives of 15 missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S people.
The Knowledge Keepers panel provided contextualization and history regarding the four nations of New Brunswick- Mi’kmaw, Maliseet, Passemquoddy, and Penobscot. The three panelists spoke about life pre-contact, as well as pre and post Indian Act.
There were four youth on a panel that shared their perspectives on their own experiences whether as family members of lost loved ones or as survivors of abuse.
“While all the testimony the other Commissioners and I hear is equally important to the Truth Gathering Process, it was powerful to be in the room with the younger generation,” said Commissioner Audette.
Although youth have been involved throughout the Truth Gathering Process since the beginning in different capacities, this panel was the first of its kind for the National Inquiry. The youth touched on inter-generational effects and the steps they have taken to overcome the impacts.
“They’ve also been impacted by residential schools, 60’s scoop, relocation, and the child welfare system. So that means they’ve also faced abuses such as sexual, physical, systemic, and emotional. But what we are hearing from the younger generation is the ways they are breaking that cycle.”
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Released by:
National Inquiry Communications
250- 351- 4336
Email: media@mmiwg-ffada.ca
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