June 27, 2019 — Inuit Leadership supports the full implementation of the Calls for Justice contained within the National Inquiry into Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls “Reclaiming Power and Place” and their 231 Calls for Justice
“Our women and girls deserve justice”
June 27, 2019, Ottawa, ON – In a resolution passed unanimously at a meeting of the ITK Board of Directors, Inuit leaders, including the Presidents of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Nunatsiavut Government, Makivik Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation supported the full implementation of the Calls for Justice contains within the National Inquiry into Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in their final report and commit to fulfilling obligations laid out through its Calls for Justice, including the 46 Inuit-Specific Calls for Justice.
The resolution states:
“Moved by: Aluki Kotierk, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
“Seconded by: Johannes Lampe, Nunatsiavut Government
“WHEREAS the situation of murdered and missing Inuit women and girls is a national crisis; and,
“WHEREAS federal, provincial and territorial governments cooperated to develop a National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and,
“WHEREAS Nunatsiavut Government, ITK, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Anânaukatiget Tuminqit, Saturviit, the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre and the Manitoba Inuit Association acquired standing at the National Inquiry; and,
“WHEREAS Inuit women and families were involved in all hearings of the National Inquiry; and,
“WHEREAS the Final Report of the National Inquiry includes an Inuit-specific section and 46 Inuit-specific Calls for Justice,
“THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT ITK work with the Inuit regions, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and the National Inuit Youth Council to facilitate the full implementation of all Calls for Justice contained in the Final Report of the National Inquiry.”
Inuit leaders discussed the Inuit-specific Calls for Justice (16.1 to 16.46) within the full context of the report. Inuit leaders support the affirmation that land claim and self-government agreements between Inuit and the Crown be upheld and implemented, the commitment to Inuktut, Inuit knowledge, culture and values, and art within the Calls for Justice. Inuit leaders also welcome the acknowledgement of the importance of the implementation of the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy, the full realization of the Nanilavut project, and the implementation of the recommendations contained within the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.
Focusing on the actions necessary to end violence in Inuit households and communities is critical to ending the cycles of trauma and violence against Inuit women and girls. This includes full health and wellness programs aimed to support whole communities, including men and boys, who remain the most likely offenders of violence against women and girls.
Each individual Canadian, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, must commit to not accepting violence in their communities and this is a central theme within the Calls for Justice. Inuit leaders call on all Inuit to take action to prevent violence against Inuit women and girls.
The Calls for Justice in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls must be taken fully and seriously by all of those in power, including Inuit leadership, as necessary action to protect the most vulnerable within Canadian society.
Quotes:
“Systemic racism remains the main barrier Inuit face when it comes to the laws and policies that most negatively impact individuals and communities. Addressing systemic racism requires a society-wide commitment to social equity in the areas of access to services, housing, infrastructure, and healthcare within the Calls for Justice.”
Natan Obed
President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
