Part II and Part III: Knowledge Keeper, Expert and Institutional Hearings

Knowledge Keeper, Expert and Institutional Hearings

The Knowledge Keeper, Expert and Institutional Hearings examined the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples and the policies and practices that are in place to keep women and girls safe. These hearings were conducted differently than the Part 1 Community Hearings where families and survivors shared their truths. Commissioners, to gain the most complete understanding of the critical issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, listened to testimony.

Part II-Institutional Hearings of our Truth Gathering Process focussed on the testimony of those who worked in institutions.

Part III-Knowledge Keeper and Expert Hearings gathered testimony from a wide range of experts including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, academics, legal experts, front-line workers, young people and specialists.

In the Fall of 2018, Part II and Part III hearings were combined under a single theme to hear from a wide range of expertise and personal testimony. As part of the hearing process, National Inquiry lawyers and Parties with Standing had the opportunity to ask questions of the experts or cross-examine them for clarity.

The process was designed to be trauma-informed and to ensure the National Inquiry received the best possible information and advice from the witnesses – evidence that will lead to the development of concrete recommendations that will reduce violence and increase safety.

Members of the public were welcome to attend all Knowledge Keeper, Expert and Institutional Hearings as observers.