The disappearance of aboriginal women in Canada

Abstract

This thesis examines the response the Canadian government has given to the public calls for inquiry into the disappearance of Aboriginal women. With over 500 missing Aboriginal women, non-governmental organizations as well as citizens of the state have urged the government of Canada to respond adequately. Through this thesis I will use media sources, as well as non-governmental organizations reports to illustrate how long the public call for inquiry has been going on. These articles and reports will also demonstrate the response of the Canadian government. I will determine whether or not the current federal government of Canada views Aboriginal people and their communities to be part of a state of exception. Through qualitative interviews with a non-governmental organization member I have invited this international body to share their views on how the actions of the government has shaped the disappearance of Aboriginal women in Canada. I have also engaged the leader in a series of questions allowing opinions of how the federal government of Canada should address the public inquiries, and how to prevent the further disappearances of Aboriginal women.