By paNOW

FSIN urges Sask. government to support national inquiry into missing, murdered First Nation women

Jul 7, 2012 | 3:13 AM

A Saskatchewan aboriginal group is urging the provincial government to support a recent call by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for a national inquiry into Canada’s missing and murdered First Nation women.

Interim chief Morley Watson with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) said an inquiry is needed to find out why First Nation women are more susceptible to violent acts.

“What we want to do is identify how we can help to ensure that First Nation women have every opportunity at success,” he said.

Watson noted that social issues such as poverty, high unemployment rates, and a dearth of career opportunities only add to the problem. “What we want to do is empower our young women so they can provide for their families and their community.”

Over the last 10 years, Watson said there are as many as 61 missing or murdered Aboriginal women in Saskatchewan.

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

7h ago

Rustlers Volleyball

Crusaders' Bell excited for next chapter with Lakeland College

7h ago

Nothing but Net

Vikings' standouts ready for national stage with Team Saskatchewan

10h ago

“We have to do something. We can’t accept that these things happen in a country as rich as Canada,” said Watson.

Pauline Muskego, whose daughter Daleen Kay Bosse was murdered eight years ago, said she supports the FSIN’s efforts.

“I think it will empower the families of the missing and murdered women but also to empower our young women and remind them that there are a lot of dangers out there,” said Muskego.

Bosse, a member of the Lloydminster-area Onion Lake First Nation, was 25 when she was reported missing in 2004.

Police said the young mother and wife was last seen leaving Jax Nite Club in Saskatoon. Her remains were found in a secluded area near Warman, about 25 kilometers north of Saskatoon.

news@panow.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow