Dear #AmINext supporters: As you may know, the Trudeau government is expected to announce details about the launch of the national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls soon. Media reports suggest new information will be released as early as next week. It’s a crucial time to make sure the government knows that a strong, effective inquiry must include grassroots voices like ours. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women. I joined representatives from the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Amnesty International Canada and The Canadian Federation of Students on Parliament Hill to speak with them about seeking justice for families who have lost loved ones, and safety for indigenous women and girls who experience violence every day. You were a crucial part of this conversation. I delivered a package of your comments and reasons for signing this petition to Minister Bennett. Among those comments were stories of personal loss, and experiences with systemic violence against indigenous people in this country. Those stories are in the Minister’s hands now. Thank you for raising your voices. Our work is far from over. Now more than ever, we must press on to make sure that the outcomes address the causes of violence, and that the government takes swift action to stop it once and for all. Law enforcement must be held accountable for their part in failing indigenous women and girls, who they have a duty to protect. I know the inquiry will be a difficult time for many people who will once again recount their experiences and relive their personal trauma and loss. Throughout the inquiry we must stand in solidarity with one another. I want to thank you for supporting this campaign for so many years. I also want to acknowledge the decades of leadership by the Native Women’s Association and many, many advocacy groups who have refused to stand down until we see justice, and indigenous women can walk in peace and safety, without fear. Once details are announced, and the inquiry is launched, I will continue to advocate for the inclusion of grassroots voices and to help hold the government accountable. Thank you for your continued support. - Holly