missing women, First Nations

Members of the First Nations recently held a march for missing women, some of who have been found murdered since they disappeared. Last Saturday more than 60 people, many who were First Nations or Meti’s but some who were simply supporters, marched in Fort MacMurrayto bring attention to the fact that the federal government has refused to start an inquiry into the numerous Aboriginal women who have either disappeared never to be seen again or who have been murdered. The march started off down Franklin Ave at Borealis Park and ended at Keyano College. According to Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille “The prime minister would rather spend spend money on looking for an expedition lost a hundred years ago.”

Instead of starting an inquiry into the missing women, and into cases where First Nations women who have been murdered, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he was launching a naval expedition to search for signs of the 1845 Franklin Expedition which was doomed. First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille responded to the naval expedition announcement by stating “Instead of lashing out in anger, say a prayer for him. Prayers are very powerful. Pray he changes his mind and does the right thing. It’s up to us as First Nations people and at the grassroots to put the pressure on the prime minister.” Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam commented that “There is already a lot of mistrust from First Nations towards the Harper government. Even if Harper does the right thing eventually, a lot of First Nations will never forgive him because of this delay.”