Walpole Island residents join the nationwide #ShutDownCanada movement at the intersection of Hwy. 40 and Dufferin Ave. on February 13, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)Walpole Island residents join the nationwide #ShutDownCanada movement at the intersection of Hwy. 40 and Dufferin Ave. on February 13, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Chatham

Walpole Island FN Pleased To See Ball Rolling On MMIW Inquiry

The Chief of the Walpole Island First Nation is encouraged the national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is officially moving ahead.

The Trudeau government named the commissioners last week — also pledging over $50-million in funding to get the job done.

Chief Dan Miskokomon says he's pleased to see such significant government dollars being committed — but it doesn't guarantee the inquiry's success.

"What does money mean? It means that the government's making things happen. But does putting money into it mean it will resolve those issues?" he says. "It's hard to say, but the good thing is that they started something."

Ultimately, Miskokomon says dollars need to be invested in areas that will guarantee systemic change.

Still, he's content to see the ball rolling, noting the inquiry is long overdue.

"Something should have been done a long time ago, but again the inquiry will hopefully address these issues," says Miskokomon, "because there's a situation that our people are being missed - both women and men."

-With files from Natalia Vega. 

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