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Missing and murdered hearings begin in Yk

"For Indigenous women and girls," said Qajaq Robinson, "Canada is not the safe haven it asserts itself to be."

The commissioner's eyes filled with tears as she spoke before a crowd of more than 100 people at the Chateau Nova Hotel on Monday, in a ceremony marking the beginning of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Yellowknife.

The beaded heart tapestry was put together by the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The tapestry will provide the backdrop as dozens of loved ones and survivors of violence share their stories. Sidney Cohen/NNSL photos

"In a very hard situation you’re coming forward, and not by choice," she said to the loved ones of lost women and girls, and the survivors of violence who were present.

"You’ve come to teach us and teach this country in the midst of pain, and I want to acknowledge that."

Robinson, who was born in Iqaluit and raised in Iglulik, is the only commissioner from the territories. She said she has looked forward to coming north with the inquiry "since day one."

"It’s different here," she said of the North. "It’s unique."

The ceremony began with the lighting of the sacred Qulliq, an Inuit, oil-burning lamp made of soapstone.

Coaxing the flame out of its half-moon vessel, Rassi Nashalik said the lamp gives light and heat, and can be dimmed and brightened.

"Right throughout the night, the lady is in charge of it," said Nashalik.

At the inquiry, the Qulliq symbolizes the strength, and the tenderness, of Inuit women.

Until recently, the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2S people was "pushed into the dark," said Robinson.

A light in dark corners

"We see the Qulliq as a way to shine light in those dark corners, where these issues, where your voices, have been pushed for far too long."

The opening ceremony precedes three days of testimony from families of the missing and murdered, and survivors of violence.

About 40 survivors and family members have signed up to tell their stories in public and private hearings.

The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the Native Women’s Association of NWT’s beaded heart tapestry.

Marie Speakman has been involved with victim services at the association for 17 years.

Speakman recalled one mother who kept visiting her office. The woman's daughter was murdered in 1991 while attending school in Yellowknife.

Speakmen was moved to sew a beaded heart in honour of the girl who passed away.

From that heart grew the tapestry that will provide the backdrop to the inquiry's proceedings in Yellowknife.

"Whenever there's something deeply sorrowful and significant that happens in a community, the community gathers, women gather," said Speakman.

"We all work together to support each other and provide what is needed to heal together. The beaded heart project is an example of that gathering."

After drumming with the Yellowknives Dene Drummers, Bobby Drygeese made brief remarks at the opening ceremony Monday of the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at the Chateau Nova Hotel.

Systematic barriers

Liza Piper, the association’s president, said the inquiry is an opportunity to shine a light on the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous women and girls, and for families to be heard.

"Our future cannot be addressed until our past is acknowledged," she said.

Moments of brightness and humour punctuated the otherwise solemn evening.

Throat singers Tanya Roach and Kayley Inuksuk Mackay performed a number of songs, including one about a "pitiful little dog" that grew up to become the leader of a dog team. Their playful set was met with laughter and applause.

On Tuesday morning, before the hearings began, Robinson said Marion Buller, the inquiry's chief commissioner, regretted that she couldn't make it to Yellowknife.

"There’s a lot of work to be done and we can’t always all be in a community," she said.

Buller, who is at work on the next phase of the inquiry, "drew the short straw," said Robinson.

"But I send her love."

Kathy and Brett Meyer were the first to share on Tuesday. They spoke about their daughter Angela Meyer, who disappeared from Yellowknife in 2010. Angela's sister Candice also spoke.

Lessa Semmler, who's mother was murdered 33 years ago, and Noeline Villebrun also publicly shared their stories Tuesday.

Hearings continue through Thursday.