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Why did Stephen Harper say ‘no’?

March 26, 2014   ·   0 Comments

Dear editor:

Why did Stephen Harper say “no” to a Public Inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women?

Carol Goar of the Toronto Star, on Wed. March 12, wrote a scathing column about this decision. Here are two quotes from it, “For the families of the victims, it was an enormous letdown. For human rights activists, it was yet another demonstration of the Conservative government’s refusal to stand up for vulnerable minorities”.

“We continue to be, I find, treated as second-class citizens,” said Claudette Dumont Smith, executive director of the Native Women’s Association. “An aboriginal woman could be disposed of and that’s it, that’s all”.

Fighting back; a 24 hour First Nations rail blockade took place near Belleville. It started on Wed. March 19 and was led by Shawn Brant. Of course there were public objections and even arrests. But the purpose for those taking part, far out-weighed the negative aspects. They were demanding a full meaningful public inquiry into the issue of indigenous missing and murdered women and girls.

There are many ways for activists to show their beliefs and concerns. Another example here, is a peaceful one. The name for it is “Sisters

In Spirit”. For the last three years, one group, in  Newmarket, has hosted a prayer vigil on the front lawn of Trinity United church. The aim is to make people aware of the desperate situation of these aboriginal women and to honor their memory. Vigils of various kinds are taking place across Canada. The next one, in Newmarket, will happen on Oct.4.

I heard about all this from Linda Parsons, an avid activist with Sisters in Spirit. She said to me very forcefully, “We will continue to pray and voice and work with indigenous women in spite of getting that ‘no’ from the government for a public inquiry. This issue isn’t going away. How many more must die?”

Betty Anderson,

Tottenham

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