The decision of the Ministry of Public Security does not satisfy
Press Release
Kahnawake, April 6, 2016 – Quebec Native Women (QNW) is not satisfied by the decision of the Ministry of Public Security, which announced on April 5th that the SPVM would investigate any complaint against another police force when it comes to Indigenous women. In response to the Minister Coiteux’s announcement, QNW reiterate once more the need of the establishment of an independent committee of police agencies to investigate the allegations of abuse of power and sexual abuse by police officers.
On March 31st, the TV show “Enquête” revealed new denunciations from Indigenous women who have suffered abuse and sexual violence by Sûreté du Québec police officers, demonstrating that there is still a serious problem of racism and systemic discrimination within police institutions. The Quebec government wanted to act quickly to respond to these allegations, but once more, no Indigenous organization have been consulted in this decision. For years, QNW and several other Indigenous organizations have been documenting violence against Indigenous women and have an expertise on the subject. Last December, QNW launched a report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Quebec that offers various courses of action that would help stop these alarming situations. Among other things, the report recommends “promoting collaboration between Indigenous and non-indigenous; communities and urban area”.
Police investigating police has been widely criticized by society in general, but also by institutions such as the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. For the victims and their relatives QNW asks that the investigation process be conducted by a transparent and neutral entity. “It is inconceivable to believe that such violence is carried out by an institution that is supposed to protect its citizens. We will not tolerate this violence! It is time for these institutions to work with us and develop a real strategy to end this unacceptable situation” – says Viviane Michel, QNW’s president.
About Quebec Native Women
Quebec Native Women represents members in 56 communities, 9 nations throughout Quebec and urban areas. https://www.faq-qnw.org
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Source :
Laureanne Fontaine, Communication Officer
communication@faq-qnw.org
Tel.: 450-632-0088 ex. 232
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