Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Statement on Commissioner's Resignation from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

OTTAWA, July 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement today on the resignation of Commissioner Marilyn Poitras from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, announced in a letter yesterday and effective July 15, 2017:

"Our first thoughts are for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and how this affects them and their path to healing and justice," said National Chief Bellegarde. "We're very concerned about this resignation because the work of the National Inquiry is too important and we want to see it succeed for the families. The AFN has made many offers to help the Inquiry connect with all those affected by this tragedy because a 'families first' approach is essential to the Inquiry's success. As part of that effort, we've invited the Commissioners to speak at our upcoming AFN Annual General Assembly to share information, and we anticipate a positive response. Many of those gathered at the Assembly - Elders, youth, women and leaders – have been directly affected by this issue and will welcome this information. This resignation is regrettable but we thank Marilyn Poitras for her contributions."

The agenda for the Assembly of First Nations 38^th Annual General Assembly is being confirmed. The AFN Annual General Assembly takes place in Regina, Saskatchewan July 25 – 27 at the Evraz Place. More information is available on the AFN website at www.afn.ca

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jamie Monastyrski, Press Secretary - National Chief's Office, 613-241-6789 ext. 222, 343-540-6179 (cell), [email protected]; Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 382, 613-292-0857 (cell), [email protected]; Michael Hutchinson, Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 254, 613-299-6330 (cell), [email protected]