Part of the faceless dolls project in display at a rally in front of Parliament Hill in October, 2013 | Image Source: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand
Dear Survivors, Families and Loved Ones;
On December 8, 2015, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Carolyn Bennett, and the Minister of the Status of Women, Patty Hajdu, and the Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould, announced the launch of a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
For the first phase of the Inquiry, we want to hear directly from you on how to design an inquiry process that will result in concrete recommendations to work towards ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.
On Friday, February 5, 2016, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Carolyn Bennett, is holding a meeting in Toronto, Ontario with survivors, families and loved ones of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
This event is held over two days. The pre-meeting phase begins on Thursday, February 4th, with registration and orientation and a sharing circle for the families and loved ones.
February 4, 2016
Registration: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Orientation sessions:
1st) 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and
2nd) 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
February 5, 2016
Pre-Inquiry meeting: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you would like to come to these meetings please let my team know by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 3, 2016 by calling 1-877-535-7309 or contacting either: or Audrey-Maani Hannigan, 819-639-3037 AudreyMaani.Hannigan@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca ,or Nancy Drozd, 613-604-1657 (Nancy.Drozd@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca). Please let them know if you need help with travel, hotel rooms, translation or childcare.
We realize these meetings deal with topics that may cause trauma to participants due to their troubling subject matter. A toll-free crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 1-844-413-6649 for anyone who needs help or support.
If you are unable to attend the meeting you will be able to make submissions on-line, by phone, or mail.
Thank you,
Margaret Buist
Director General
MMIWG Pre-Inquiry Secretariat
