Executive Director of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Debbie Reid has left the National Inquiry. While they cannot discuss the details of the matter, the National Inquiry thanked Ms. Reid for her contributions.

MMIW&G expressed they are ensuring that the National Inquiry’s work is not disrupted during this time of transition. Director of Operations Calvin Wong will act as Interim Executive Director effective immediately.

On January 11, 2018, the National Inquiry shared this statement:

We will continue to build on the significant progress achieved last year in the Truth Gathering process that has shed light on this national tragedy through: community hearings, expert panel hearings, institutional hearings, commemoration and research.

We have a sacred responsibility to the 597 families and survivors who have entrusted the National Inquiry with their truths and the 600 more who are registered to do so.

Commissioners and staff are united by a deep commitment, and we are working diligently to prepare for our next two community hearings in Yellowknife on January 23-25, 2018, and Rankin Inlet on February 20-22, 2018.

In response, the Native Women’s Association of Canada was “shocked and outraged” to learn that Reid had resigned and issued this statement:

First and foremost, our thoughts are with survivors of violence and with the families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls who are again having to endure very upsetting news from the Inquiry. These families have faced insurmountable obstacles coming to terms with personal tragedy; this resignation creates instability and a further setback at the National Inquiry.

In the second of two report cards issued by NWAC in 2017 on the status of the National Inquiry, it gave failing grades in almost all key areas. NWAC made definitive recommendations to improve communications, transparency and most other areas of the Inquiry. These recommendations were made in hopes of bringing the direction of the Inquiry to a more successful pathway. The continued lack of communication with families and with NWAC points out the operational issues at the National Inquiry. NWAC is deeply concerned that the ongoing operational failures will damage what remaining trust and belief families may still have in the inquiry.

NWAC strongly believes that in order for the National Inquiry to be a success, it must re-examine its administrative issues and operations. Most importantly, survivors and families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls must come first. These families are left in the dark and are learning the on-goings of the inquiry through sporadic and at times anecdotal communications. It is imperative that the National Inquiry’s leaders implement a clear and robust strategy for transparent communication to benefit families and achieve a successful outcome.