SASKATOON – Delegates at the annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) conference want an inquiry held into missing and murdered aboriginal women. A substantial majority voted in favour of the resolution Tuesday at the conference taking place in Saskatoon.
In Saskatchewan, aboriginal women make up 55 per cent of all homicide victims. Monica Burns, 28, is the latest victim.
Burns, who lived in Prince Albert but was from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, was found dead on a snowmobile trail in a remote area northwest of the city on Jan. 17.
READ MORE: Family of slain woman upset over missing accused’s court appearance
SUMA’s vote adds to growing calls from across the country calling on the federal government to hold an inquiry. The motion was put forward by North Battleford city council.
“It’s our police forces for example who are involved in the searching and in the processing of these missing women’s files,” said North Battleford Coun. Ray Fox.
“So, indirectly through our tax dollars, we’re supporting what should be the role of the federal government.”
SUMA President Debra Button said she was not surprised the resolution passed.
“A lot of our police chiefs have said they already know what the problem is, and it’s time to move forward with some action and possibly a task force,” she told Global News.
READ MORE: Action needed on missing and murdered aboriginal women: police chiefs
The federal government has already said it won’t fund an inquiry, but Button hopes the vote helps sway that decision.
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