After a brief hiatus, James Igloliorte has returned as co-commissioner of the Innu Child Welfare Inquiry. The announcement was made on Monday, with Igloliorte expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his work on this important inquiry.
Igloliorte, a former provincial court judge and lawyer, previously served as co-commissioner alongside Dr. Michèle Audette. However, he took a leave of absence in June due to personal reasons. During his absence, the inquiry was led solely by Dr. Audette.
Now, with Igloliorte’s return, the inquiry will once again have two co-commissioners at the helm. This decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with the Innu Nation and other stakeholders.
In a statement, Igloliorte expressed his commitment to the inquiry and his belief in its importance. He stated, “I am honored to continue my role as co-commissioner and to work alongside Dr. Audette and the Innu Nation to address the critical issue of child welfare in their communities.”
The Innu Child Welfare Inquiry was launched in 2019 to investigate the treatment of Innu children in the child welfare system in Newfoundland and Labrador. The inquiry aims to uncover the root causes of the overrepresentation of Innu children in the system and to make recommendations for change.
The inquiry has faced some challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resignation of former co-commissioner Judge Barry Tobin. However, with Igloliorte’s return, the inquiry is expected to continue its important work.
In a joint statement, Innu Nation Grand Chief Etienne Rich and Deputy Grand Chief Mary Ann Nui expressed their support for Igloliorte’s return. They stated, “We are pleased to have Mr. Igloliorte back as co-commissioner and look forward to working with him to ensure that the voices of our children and families are heard and that meaningful change is achieved.”
The Innu Child Welfare Inquiry is set to resume its hearings in September, with a final report expected to be released in 2022. With Igloliorte’s return, the inquiry is poised to continue its important work towards addressing the systemic issues faced by Innu children and families in the child welfare system.
