The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says it is taking no position on whether there should be some type of inquiry into the deaths of native women. It is easy to understand the care with which police approach the subject. They are traditionally the whipping boy for some frustrated people when it comes to giving the sad story of aboriginal women a happy ending. The question of an inquiry is deeply inflamed. The political interests of native groups, the provinces and the federal government are thoroughly mixed together when demands are made for an inquiry. The issues extend far beyond aboriginal women. More native men die violently than women. Those who oppose this type of expensive and ineffective grandstand are often portrayed as heartless lowlifes blocking milk deliveries to the nursery. Maybe an inquiry can help. But appeals for one come with the vaguest ideas of what might be achieved. Issues related to aboriginal life in Canada are among the most intractable known to the country. Those working on the ground like former prime minister Paul Martin find occasional insights. His Martin Aboriginal Educational Initiative has found that home ownership gives native people a greater incentive to keep their homes repaired and liveable. It is a small thing but it has the potential to change a culture. Chris Selley in the National Post reviews opinion on how to help native women. He agrees with a writer who says an important cause is poverty on the reserve. How is that fixed? No judicial inquiry anywhere ever eliminated it. Whatever the answer, Selley observes tartly: “It’s some job, though. isn’t it?” Chris Selley Full Pundit
