Alberta to join inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

The Alberta government announced Thursday the province will work with the federal government on the missing and murdered Indigenous women and children inquiry.

The national initiative was prompted by the federal government but will act independently to look into the systemic causes of violence and increase the safety of Indigenous woman and girls in Canada.

The Alberta focus will examine areas that fall under provincial jurisdiction like child welfare, education and the justice system.

The national inquiry is slated to last two years and conclude with a report of recommendations.

According to government of Canada statistics, Indigenous women make up just four percent of the population, yet 16 percent of women murdered in Canada between 1980 and 2012 were Indigenous.