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The federal government is launching the first phase of its inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, and while the news is being welcomed by First Nations communities across the country this is just the start of a long process.

The new government is marching to a different beat and making good on a promise. “It is time for a renewed nation to nation relationship with First Nations peoples.” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

At this mornings Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about reconciliation. Soon after, it was announced that the government would launch the first phase of a long awaited inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women. Starting with consultation of victims families.

Aboriginal people make up about 4% of this countries population, yet 16% of all women who are murdered are aboriginal.  Since 1980 that number has factored into about 1200 missing or murdered aboriginal women.

Dawn Martin-Hill is a professor at McMaster University who has been studying this issue for over a decade. She says that this is a chance to gather some reliable statistics. “I think the country is going to have a wake up call when those numbers are released.”

She says the level of violence that aboriginal women face in this country is far worse than we could imagine, but she is hopeful. “I think a lot of people’s prayers have been answered. It’s incredible news for the families of the victims.”