The federal government’s unveiling of terms for the long-awaited inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women (MMIW) this week is being applauded by a Saskatchewan women who’s spent almost the last decade looking for answers into the disappearance of her sister.
The government appointed five commissioners in a ceremony in Quebec on Wednesday for the inquiry which is expected to last at least two years and cost around $53.8 million.
Teri Fikowski sat down with Lisa Bigeagle-Dustyhorn, a local advocate who’s walking across the province to raise awareness about MMIW.
Q: Your mission to walk across the province is a personal one, you have a sister who is missing. Tell us about her.
A: Her name is Danita Bigeagle and she’s been missing from Regina since February 11, 2007. I’m personally doing this for her. I’m walking across Saskatchewan for her. To get it out, to raise awareness. But I’m not just walking for her, I’m walking for all the missing and murdered women in Saskatchewan.
Q: Why did you want to do a walk to raise awareness?
A: It’s more like a healing journey for me because I hurt, I’m in pain because I have a missing family member.
So, I wanted to do something for her so I figured this would be the greatest opportunity to do it, and do it like this. So, with $30 in my pocket I went to the Manitoba border and started walking for her with my daughters.
Q: This week the federal government released more details about the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. What does this mean to you to see action underway?
A: It’s a really good thing, it needs to happen. We need to be heard. It needs to be investigated. It’s going to be a long process but the violence and crime against indigenous women needs to be eliminated.
We shouldn’t have to be walking in fear. I shouldn’t have to worry about my children. We shouldn’t have to be targets either for violence and abduction.
Q: One of the commissioners is actually from Saskatchewan…
A: I saw that and I was really happy that she was appointed. I’m hoping that she brings out really good recommendations for us.
Q: How can people support your efforts?
A: I’m out there on the highway with my family. I have over 100 posters on my van of missing and murdered indigenous women. I’m doing it for all missing and murdered women and I’m walking for them and my sister.
To connect with Bigeagle-Dustyhorn visit her Facebook page.
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