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MLTC Response

MLTC supports MMIWG report recommendations

Jun 6, 2019 | 11:30 AM

Tribal Chief Richard Ben and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) support the final report from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Inquiry.

Ben said it demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring First Nations women and girls are protected and respected.

“Our leadership has long advocated for systemic changes across our Nation and country, but we are optimistic that this report will shed a bright light on a serious issue that will result in widespread societal changes for our First Nations people across this country,” MLTC Tribal Chief Richard Ben said in a statement to meadowlakeNOW.

The MMIWG report released on June 3 included 231 Calls for Justice that address Indigenous rights, security and justice, culture, health and wellness. The report described them as “legal imperatives” — not optional recommendations.

Ben said many of the recommendations are already a part of the MLTC Health and Wellness plan. The MLTC provides traditional and cultural support under the Mental Wellness Residential School Program and provides social support to the nine First Nations through its Economic Development resource.

According to Ben, the report addresses gaps in programming and services and ongoing policies that discriminate against First Nations way of life.

The Tribal Chief believes there needs to be more investment in services and resources for education, housing, economic development and health in Northern Saskatchewan.

“Resources need to be provided that will allow First Nations women and girls to have equal access in all areas of health, education, employment, skills and development and rights to culture, language, land and prosperity,” Ben said.

Many of the MLTC members attended hearings throughout the country and spoke about their missing and murdered loved ones.

“They’re the ones who live with this reality every day and as a Tribal Council, we stand behind them as they continue to cope through this tragedy,” Ben said. “Their voices were heard at these hearings and their stories are the ones that shaped this report and its findings.”

The Tribal Chief calls for “the ongoing genocide to stop through systemic policies that are inclusive and supportive of women and girls.”

nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov

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