First Voice and the RNC have reached an agreement to form an Indigenous Advisory Committee.

The RNC Indigenous Advisory Committee will include representation from the RNC, First Voice, and other Indigenous governments and organizations.

Among the committee’s objectives are to advance the Section 9 calls for justice through the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, increase cultural awareness and sensitivity about Indigenous communities, and promote the recruitment of Indigenous RNC officers.

First Voice Program Director Justin Campbell acknowledges that there may be some skepticism from within the Indigenous community to the announcement.

He says a “deep distrust” was noted in their report last year into police oversight, and the committee is the first step in trying to address some of the challenges identified within a legislative framework.

Campbell says he understands the skepticism, but notes that this is the beginning of a process and not the end of one. He says they are confident that by working together they can make progress on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.