The Government of Canada should conduct a full public inquiry into the more than 1,200 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada, says General Council 42.

The Blueberry (Blue) commission, one of three decision-making bodies of the Council, voted to call upon the federal government to “support and continue to support the struggle against the devaluation of women by conducting this inquiry.”

“It runs deep in my family,” said Lorna Standingready of the All Native Circle Conference, urging the Commission to support the request for the inquiry. She explained to GC News that several members of her extended family have been murdered or are missing.

“Reconciliation is between the common people, and we will make stronger communities across this great land,” said Standingready, who is from the Peepeekisis Reserve, SK.

Churches and ministries of the United Church are further encouraged to “annually remember missing and murdered Aboriginal women through education, and in prayer, particularly on the Sunday immediately prior to Oct. 4, the date of the cross-Canada Spirit Vigil.” Individuals are urged to participate in the Spirit Vigil on Oct. 4.

Congregational members are also encouraged to contact their Members of Parliament to voice support for a national public inquiry.

The Government of Canada and all levels of governance are being asked to implement the 16 recommendations made by the Special Committee on Violence against Indigenous Women.

Note from website editor:  To see other news, videos and photos of the 42nd General Council meeting, visit www.gc42.ca