Declaration of the AFNQL - The AFNQL supports First Nations women and honors their courage and resilience

WENDAKE, QC, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is deeply disappointed with the report presented this afternoon by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions of Quebec in the wake of the analysis of complaints of abuses from First Nations women involving police officers of the Sûreté du Québec.

In no way do the limits imposed by the criminal investigation or the results issued today make us doubt the abuses experienced by our women. We believe them. We honor their courage and resilience and their determination to continue their struggle so that justice will be won for them and for all those who are still unfortunately subjected to such situations.

We have insisted for over a year that our communities must have immediate access to the resources needed to provide services to abused women and their families. We reiterate these demands today. The silence must be broken. Resources in the communities are seriously lacking. There is an urgent need for first-line services and a safety net for our members. This is why we are demanding that an emergency fund be immediately made available to the communities.

The AFNQL maintains its position, which it has been advocating for over a year, along with Adrienne Anichinapeo of Kitcisakik, Adrienne Jérôme of Lac Simon and David Kistabish of the Abitibiwinni First Nation Council as well as the Grand Council of the Crees and Quebec Native Women, that an independent inquiry into all aspects of relations between police departments and First Nations be established now.

The Government of Quebec must face the reality that our women who experience racism and systemic discrimination on a daily basis have denounced, once again, today, in dramatic circumstances. It is extremely troubling and inconceivable that the Couillard government still doubts it.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador is the political organization of the Chiefs of 43 First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent, [email protected], Cell: 418-580-4442