January 3rd, 2019
The National Inquiry will be holding community hearings this week in Smithers BC at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Hall. The Commissioners will be present at the public community hearings starting at 9:00am September 26 until September 28, and are scheduled to end at 5:00 pm each day. The community hearings are open to the public to observe unless specified as private by families and survivors.
The devastatingly high numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls has continued to negatively impact the wellbeing of communities across Canada and the individuals within them. Smithers is located along the infamous Highway of Tears and the visit by the commissioners of the Inquiry is very important to the community who has suffered the loss of many women and girls. Friendship Centres from across the province have been supporting families of murdered and missing women for years and we hope that this process will support the families through this challenging time.
The BCAAFC thoughts and prayers are with families across the province and remain committed to providing services and advocacy.
A sacred fire will be kept burning, and a ceremony will take place at the end of the community hearings on Thursday, September 28. No photos or recording of ceremonies will be permitted out of respect for local protocols.
The Inquiry hearings will be held at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Hall located at 3955 3rd Avenue, Smithers BC. The community hearings are being live-streamed on the MMIWG Facebook page and website:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMIWG/ or Website: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
For more general information on the Inquiry contact info@mmiwg-ffada.ca or on the toll free line at 1-844-348-4119. For media inquiries related to this press release contact the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre at 250-847-5211.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Varley – BCAAFC Executive Director
Ph: 250-388-5522 Ext. 202