Families of murdered and missing women to share their stories with First Nations' leaders

Families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women will meet on Tuesday with First Nation leaders in Thunder Bay to share their stories.

It’s the start of a First Nation-led truth-seeking process into what happened to their loved ones, according to a release issued on Monday.

“As directed by the chiefs, we are frustrated waiting for a federal government inquiry,” Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy said in a release.

“We are moving forward with this vital planning forum for the families of the murdered and missing indigenous women and girls which will assist us in the planning and preparation to implement our own process and this will also inform leadership’s advocacy for a national inquiry.”

The Globe and Mail on Monday reported that Conservative ministers have agreed to attend a roundtable on murdered and missing women later this month in Ottawa.

Status of Women Minister Kellie Leitch and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt each said they will be in attendance at the Feb. 27 meeting.

Tuesday’s gathering will be held at the Best Western Nor’Wester Hotel.