For Canada, the Day of December 8th Should Mark the End of Shame and the Beginning of a New Era of Hope

WENDAKE, QC, Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - According to the AFNQL, today's announcement by the federal Ministers of Justice, Indigenous Affairs and Status of Women, of a public inquiry on the fate of the Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women should mark, for Canada as a whole the end of a shameful part of its history and the beginning of a new era of hope.

The stubbornness demonstrated so far by the Government of Canada to not address with courage and dignity the tragedy of these women and young girls was often denounced as unworthy of a modern State and sent an extremely negative message to both the Canadian population and internationally.

The announcement made today in the heart of the Canadian Parliament by three Ministers of the Trudeau government, and the presence today of the Prime Minister at the opening ceremony of the AFN Special Chief's Assembly have certainly ushered in a new era of hope for the families and loved ones of these women, for First Nations and other groups of Aboriginal citizens, and also for all Canadians.

"Today, our thoughts must immediately turn to our women and young girls. It is very much to be hoped that we will be able to eliminate the fear that all too often accompanies them. That we will also be able to acknowledge with courage and battle fiercely the attitudes and the actions of discrimination and racism that blight the lives of people around us. We really wish that this day will be the beginning of an era of hope", insisted Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the 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