Justin Trudeau seeks new relationship with First Nations

He said mandate letters issued to cabinet ministers clearly stated that no relationship is more important to the prime minister than the one with First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the Assembly of First Nations winter gathering today in Gatineau, Que.,.

“We have made this inquiry a priority for our government because those touched by this national tragedy have waited long enough”.

The Liberal government is launching the first phase of a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, the justice minister said Tuesday.

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose has expressed support for the inquiry, a reversal of the party’s position when it was in government under Stephen Harper.

Canada has launched an investigation into thousands of cases of missing or murdered aboriginal women and girls.

In his remarks on Tuesday morning, Trudeau also outlined several other priorities the Liberals plan to address to build a “new” relationship with First Nations communities.

“Federal action on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIW) must be guided by Indigenous communities”, Elizabeth May said.

“I know that renewing our relationship is an ambitious goal, but I am equally certain that it is one we can, and will, achieve if we work together”.

Trudeau, in announcing a public inquiry, is seeking a rapprochement with the 1.4 million descendants of Canada’s original inhabitants who make up 4.3 per cent of the country’s total population. Since 1980 that number has factored into about 1200 missing or murdered aboriginal women.

Trudeau received a standing ovation after speaking at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec.

Announced on Tuesday, December 8th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that it’s about high time Canada engages in a true partnership with Indigenous people. The national advocacy organization represents aboriginal communities, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities across the country.

“This is happening because of our history, with residential schools, colonization”, said Williams.

Ganley said a gauge of provincial attitudes, as well as consultation with First Nations and Métis to determine what areas need the most focus, will help improve the lives of women.

Trudeau promised “significant investments” in First Nations education, promising the reforms to be led by First Nations people, rather than a “top down” approach.

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“We are hopeful, we are optimistic, let’s get to work”.