AFN renews call for public inquiry
- EFN Staff | February 27, 2014
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has renewed its call for a national public inquiry in the wake of news that missing Loretta Saunders has been found murdered.
Sanders, an Inuk woman from Newfoundland and Labrador, was a student at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, focusing her thesis on missing and murdered Aboriginal women, specifically studying the murders of three Aboriginal women from Nova Scotia. Police confirmed her death February 26.
"First and foremost, I offer condolences to the famiy and friends of Loretta Sanders - a bright young Inuk woman who was dedicating her time and energy to researching violence against Indigenous women," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "This is a call to action that this must end now. We cannot add one more name to the list of murdered or missing women. We need to see action by all parties to end violence, to respect and honour women and families, to ensure our communities are safe and secure for all.
"We repeat our call for a national public commission of inquiry supported by immediate action to prevent these senseless tragedies."
The AFN, along with the Native Women's Association of Canada, and provincial and territorial leaders have long been pressuring the federal government for such an inquiry.
Police have charged Saunders' two roommates, Victoria Henneberry and Blake Leggette, with first degree murder. Both had previously been charged with the theft of Saunders' vehicle.