Statement on Minister Bennett's visit to the Walking With Our Sisters Travelling Exhibit in Akwesasne

AKWESASNE, ON, Nov. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs issued the following statement today on the occasion of her visit to the Walking With Our Sisters travelling exhibit:

"I am humbled to be here today to honour the lives of far too many women and girls taken from us much too soon. Hundreds of artists from around the world have created a powerful and moving commemoration to the lives of those daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers held in loving memory across this country.

Addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is a priority for the Government of Canada. We are committed to launching an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and, beforehand, to consult widely to design the inquiry.

Today also marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – a day to reflect on our own experiences and the actions we all can take to make real change for women and children in our communities.  This day, and the 16 days of activism that follow it, are dedicated to galvanizing action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

I join all of you here at this wonderful testament to courage and action in the work to keep our daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers safe from harm."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.canada.gc.ca.

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160