Samantha Paul's remains found, now First Nation wants inquiry

The unexplained death of a KamloopsFirst Nation woman has led to another call for a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

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OnJune 1,ATV riders found a skullin a remote area near Campbell Lake and White Lake, approximately 20 kilometres southeastof Kamloops, B.C. A further search of the area uncovered more skeletal remains from the same person.

It's a national tragedy but,more importantly, it's a national disgrace.-Grand Chief Stewart Phillip,President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs

That personwas identified last week as 25-year-old Samantha Paul, who was reported missing in September 2013.

The RCMP haven't confirmed foul play in her death, but herfamily and community areconvinced she was murdered.

This week, Paul'sfamily and local chiefs held an emotional press conference at the Kamloops Indian Band office, calling for an inquiry into her death.

Tk'emlupsIndian Band Chief ShaneGottfriedson, appearing visiblyshaken, said he believes Paul was killed and that women and girls in the community are not safe.

"Ourcommunityissmall and it is heart-wrenchingandappallingto know that a killer walksamongst usfree today," he said."It is very difficult for herfamily and ourpeople to accept."

The chief said it is tragic that, in the end, Paul's life has been reduced toa number.

"It is my understanding that thehomiciderate for indigenous woman in Canada is seven times higher thanfor non-indigenous women," he said."SamanthaPaulis another woman who is now only a statistic."

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip,President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, saidthe government must take action and hold an inquiry looking into not only Paul's fate, but alsothe larger question ofwhy so many aboriginal women are going missingand turning up murdered in Canada.

"It's a national tragedy but,more importantly, it's a national disgrace," he said.

"We are absolutely outraged that the Harper government refuses to agree to a national inquiry."

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