Claims from Treaty Three Alliance and Nishnawbe Aski Nation the media has to do better.
Spokesperson Krystyn Ordyniec offered the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Ottawa this week several recommendations including better sensitivity from the media.
“The media is the first introduction the public has to developing issues about Indigenous woman and girls. Our recommendations include mandatory Indigenous history as part of all journalism and media classes at the post-secondary level.”
She says inaccurate or biased reporting leads to systemic racism in our society, slowing efforts for reconciliation.
There’s also finger pointing the Inquiry did not do a good enough job supporting families in the northwest to get a full scope of issues, and the systemic problems start with the government.
“Lack of infrastructure, overcrowded housing, lack of access to clean water. All of the issues are symptoms of a broken system. Until we fix the system, Indigenous women and girls will continue to be murdered, they will continue to go missing.”
She adds the government has to do a better job of funding so families feel safer.
60 different groups are being heard from this week, but with accusations the Inquiry did not properly consult with families in our area.
“Statements were taken at the Super 8 motel room in Kenora, in a hotel room. Hardly a trauma informed approach, where loved ones were trafficked along this highway. Women have disappeared, never to be seen or heard from, in the exact same setting where the inquiry was taking statements.”
