Leadership Council Expresses Concern About the Disappearances and Murders on the
Highway of Tears
Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver, BC - On behalf of all First
Nations in British Columbia, the First Nations Leadership Council expresses
deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, and community of 14
year-old Aielah Katherina Saric, whose body was discovered near Prince George
on Highway 16, also known as the "Highway of Tears".
"The First Nations Leadership Council also expresses condolences and sympathies
to all the family members of at least nine young women who have gone missing or
been murdered since 1990 along the same highway, as this incident surely serves
as a reminder of their on-going loss and pain," said BC Assembly of First
Nations Regional Chief Shawn Atleo.
The First Nations Leadership Council shares the concerns of First Nations, local
organizations, and RCMP officers who have speculated that some of these cases
may be connected, emphasizing that all of the women are between the ages of 14
and 25, and all but one are aboriginal. In a letter to the RCMP on Friday
February 17th, the First Nations Leadership Council called for a more
coordinated approach to these investigations, highlighting the benefits of
combining the expertise of all past and present RCMP officers that have been
working these cases individually, and of pooling all available resources in a
concerted effort.
"No one wants to repeat the mistakes of the investigations into the missing and
murdered women on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver," said Chief Stewart
Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. "The lessons learned from
that tragedy - namely, the benefits of a coordinated approach and of the swift
and dedicated response of law enforcement on behalf of all British Columbians,
regardless of race or socio-economic circumstances - could yield positive
results for the Highway of Tears investigations."
The First Nations Leadership Council and the RCMP signed a Public Safety
Cooperation Protocol in October 2005, demonstrating the intent of First Nations
and law enforcement to develop their relationship through mutual respect and
trust and outline strategies to address community safety issues.
"In the spirit of the recent Protocol, the First Nations Leadership Council is
confident that the RCMP is willing to examine options to strengthen their
response to these incidents, thus preventing similar tragedies and providing
answers and peace of mind to the grieving families," concluded Grand Chief
Edward John of the First Nations Summit Task Group.
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The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of the political executives of
the First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the BC Assembly of First
Nations. The Council works together to politically represent the interests of
First Nations in British Columbia and develop strategies and actions to bring
about significant and substantive changes to government policy that will
benefit all First Nations in British Columbia.
For more information:
BC Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, BC AFN (604) 220-5822
Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC, (250) 490-5314
Grand Chief Edward John, FNS, (604) 926-9903
The UBCIC is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social
Council of the United Nations
Special thanks to Marcel Guay for the lead.
Contents
February 2006 Reports
Last updated on February 24, 2006