Lead legal counsel announced for inquiry into missing, murdered indigenous women

OTTAWA — Susan Vella, a lawyer with extensive experience in representing victims of sexual trauma has been named lead counsel for the inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.

An award-winning Toronto lawyer, she will be responsible for building the inquiry’s legal team.

Formal hearings are expected to begin in spring 2017.

Vella has worked on behalf of a number of First Nation survivors of sexual abuse and the residential schools system.

Prevalent sexual abuse in indigenous communities — an issue documented in a months-long investigation by The Canadian Press — is expected to be a central theme during the inquiry process

permanent home

'We're hugely grateful:' Nanaimo Men's Shed group finds a place to call home

2h ago

Making an impact

Nanaimo woman publishes books to open awareness of neurodiverse children

14h ago

iconic voice

Legendary hockey broadcaster Bob Cole, a welcome voice for a half-century, dead at 90

21h ago

The Liberal government has earmarked $53.8 million over two years for the inquiry.

The Canadian Press