Mr. Speaker last week in Winnipeg my colleague Mr. Hawkins and I attended the third National Aboriginal Women’s Summit or NAWS III.  The summit was established to further coordinate efforts underway nationally and in several jurisdictions aimed at addressing violence against Aboriginal women and girls in particular to end the national tragedy of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls.  Members of this House will recall that in 2008 the NAWS II was held in the Northwest Territories and built upon the recommendations of the NAWS I in areas such as health, safety, wellness, equality and empowerment.

The two day summit opened with a community gathering and family-honouring ceremony.  I was able to participate directly in the ceremony and I hope the families found some comfort and healing.  Our thoughts and prayers will remain with them and all families that are missing loved ones.

 The second day of the Summit included a roundtable discussion of provincial and territorial representatives and National Aboriginal Leaders.  I was pleased to be able to have productive discussions with the Northwest Territories Native Women’s Association while I was at the Summit and look forward to our continued partnership with the Native Women’s Association and the Status of Women Council.

 Our statistics indicate that there are 73 missing or unsolved homicide investigations open in the Northwest Territories.  Of these, 63 are considered historical missing person investigations.  Of these 63, 13 are women, eight of whom are Aboriginal.  Ten of the 63 historical cases have been deemed suspicious or foul play has not been ruled out.    

Mr. Speaker, since January 1, 2000, 35 deaths occurring  in the Northwest Territories were classified as homicides by the Coroner’s Office.  Eleven of the victims were women. 

Along with my Provincial and Territorial colleagues, I am committed to working at the national level to address the issues facing Aboriginal women and communities.  A broad cross-section of society, working together, can create positive change. 

I want to especially recognize the family of Angela Meyer.  Members of this House will recall that Angela went missing from her home here in Yellowknife.  I was honoured to be able to present her mother, Kathy Meyer, with a special blanket during the family-honouring ceremony as a symbol of the support and comfort we all feel for the families who are suffering this terrible loss. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.