AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Welcomes Public Inquiry on Robert
Pickton Case

OTTAWA, Sept. 10 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today issued the following statement on the announcement by British Columbia Attorney General Mike de Jong of a public inquiry in the police handling of the Robert Pickton investigation:

"On behalf of First Nation leadership across Canada, we welcome the decision to hold a public inquiry regarding the handling of the Robert Pickton investigation. The AFN stood with the families and friends of the victims in calling for a full and comprehensive inquiry and we want to provide our continued support and involvement during its proceedings.

Addressing the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada is one of the AFN's key priorities.  We have resolutions supporting action on the over 520 unresolved cases and we have advocated strongly on the need for dedicated and urgent attention to address the issue and root causes with the premiers and territorial leaders through the Council of the Federation and the federal government. We support the efforts of both the AFN Women's Council and the Native Women's Association of Canada through the Sisters in Spirit campaign, which calls for solutions to the violence encountered by all Aboriginal women in Canada.

The public inquiry will be important to the memory of the missing and murdered women and their families and loved ones who deserve answers and a chance to have their voices heard. It is our hope that a full and comprehensive inquiry will also look at the root causes that place so many First Nations women in harms way and help prevent future violence against First Nation women."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.

For further information:

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer at 613-241-6789, ext 401 or [email protected]