The AFNQL Maintains its Demand for an Independent Provincial Inquiry into the Relationship Between Police Forces and First Nations

WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 3, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec - Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the announcement made this morning of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and wishes to congratulate the appointed Commissioners, including Madam Michèle Audette, from the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani Utenam. The task is enormous, expectations are high.

Will the work of the Commission of Inquiry prevent another tragedy from happening? "The announcement is a breath of hope for the women and families affected. The fact that many of them are still left in a state of mystery about their missing or murdered loved ones by the competent authorities is totally unacceptable. It is up to governments to take immediate action to bring about the radical and significant changes required in the shortest possible time. This change starts with a review of policing practices. Have crimes been committed by those responsible for preventing them? Since the province will determine the scope of its intervention in the context of the National Inquiry, we look forward to seeing a demonstration of the Couillard Government's determination in this matter", declared the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard.

Since the Val d'Or events revealed by the Enquête television program in the fall of 2015, the AFNQL has repeatedly reiterated its demand that Quebec immediately establish an independent inquiry into the relationship between police and First Nations to get to the bottom of things. Although the Canadian government is acting to determine the extent of an unacceptable situation that has persisted for years, it is the responsibility of the Government of Quebec to answer fundamental questions about the safety and treatment of our sisters and our citizens in the police and justice systems in this province.

While pursuing their fight for the safety of our sisters and all the citizens they represent, the Chiefs of the AFNQL will continue to insist that the measures for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls be adapted to their expectations, rights and interests.

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

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

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