Missing women inquiry heads to northern B.C.

The Missing Women Commission of Inquiry is pushing ahead with forums in nine northern B.C. communities, despite scorn from a growing number of First Nations organizations.

A release from the commission says forums will be held between Sept. 12 and 22, although specific dates, times and venues have yet to be announced.

The upcoming forums will be part of the informal 'study commission' arm of the inquiry, seeking possible changes to ongoing investigations of missing women and suspected multiple slayings.

On Tuesday, Chief Jackie Thomas of the Saik'uz First Nation near Vanderhoof said the missing women inquiry would not be welcome in her community because members believe it is not a meaningful exercise.

Her criticism follows similar complaints from two other groups including Sex Workers United Against Violence, who also arguetheir concerns are not being taken seriously because their presentations have been relegated to the less formal study commission sessions.

The inquiry is set to begin formal hearings in Vancouver on Oct. 11, examining police conduct and other aspects of the investigation of convicted serial murderer Robert Pickton.