Inquiry gives P.E.I. Indigenous women a voice, says Aboriginal Women's Association

The official launch of the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women was emotional, says the president of the Aboriginal Women's Association of Prince Edward Island.

Judy Clark says the inquiry gives Indigenous women on the Island a voice.

"For P.E.I., we were never involved in the statistics at the national level, and P.E.I women, Indigenous women, are affected," said Clark.

"That is one thing that I hope will be acknowledged, that we here on Prince Edward Island even though we are a small population that it does affect us, and our family members for so long have lived with a lot of questions and silently. So with this, it's a voice."

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'Deeply appreciative'

In a written statement, P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan said the province welcomes the establishment of a national inquiry.

"We are deeply appreciative of the work and partnership of the PEI Aboriginal Women's Association, the Native Council of PEI, and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI in bringing these issues forward and calling for an inquiry," said the premier, who serves as minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

"I look forward to the commission's visit to Prince Edward Island, which will provide an opportunity for aboriginal and other Islanders to share their experiences and perspectives, as well as recommendations for removing the systemic causes of violence."

2-year inquiry

The federal government officially launched the nationwide inquiry on Wednesday. It's scheduled to begin on Sept. 1 and end Dec. 31, 2018.

The five-member commission, led by B.C. provincial court Judge Marion Buller, will examine what is behind high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The government has set aside $53.8 million to cover the cost of the inquiry.

The government also announced $16.17 million for provinces and territories to increase victim services and create family information liaison units.

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