Aboriginal woman should lead inquiry into allegations of police abuse: chief

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – A First Nations chief from the area known as the “Highway of Tears” says a dispute between RCMP and advocates over alleged abuse can be resolved by a national inquiry led by an aboriginal woman.

The group Human Rights Watch was in Prince George on Tuesday to reiterate the findings of their recent report accusing RCMP of abusing aboriginal women and girls, including an allegation of rape.

The group wants a national inquiry.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Chief Terry Teegee says an inquiry should be lead by an aboriginal woman who has first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to live in one of the communities.

Human Rights Watch says they were told of abuses during a broader investigation into missing and murdered aboriginal women along Highway 16, dubbed the “Highway of Tears.”

The federal government has not yet committed to an inquiry, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper has asked the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP to investigate the allegations.