Veteran investigative reporter tapped to help Indigenous people in Quebec get answers about missing loved ones

Anne Panasuk, a former Radio-Canada journalist who has worked extensively with First Nations communities in Quebec, says she couldn't pass up the opportunity to work as a special advisor to help Indigenous families seek closure onloved ones who went missing in the province's health-care system.

"We hit a wall," she said, speaking of the time she spent digging for clues about missing loved ones in the Innu nation of Pakuashipu on Quebec's North Shore, and the Atikamekwnations of Manawan, Opitciwan and Wemotaci, north of Mont Tremblant.

"We need more tools, to open medical archives and access religious documents, just to help families find some dignity, to find out what happened to their children."

Pakuashipi Chief Guy Mestnapo and Viviane Echaquan Niquayof Manawan, were both at the National Assembly in Quebec City for today's announcement and said they're grateful that someone with a connection to their communities was appointed in the new role.

Mestnapo spoke aboutlosing two of his sisters at a very young age, after they were brought to a hospital in Blanc-Sablonand never came home.

Echequan Niquay is still searching for her sister, Laureanna, who went missing over 40 years ago after she wasflown to a hospital in Joliette from Manawan.

Panasuk says she will use new legislation to pursue the research.

Bill 79, adopted on Thursday, June 3, is a law that allows Indigenous families in Quebec to get information about children who went missing between the 1950s and 1990s after being taken to receive medical care.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenire said Panasuk is well known and recognized amongQuebec's First Nations, particularly for work she did with Radio-Canada's Enqute program in 2015, demandinganswers about Atikamekwchildren who died or wentmissing after being admitted to hospital.

Panasuk, who is also an anthropologist,willlead and co-ordinate thesteering committee for Bill 79 andalso be involved in the creation of a support system within the Indigenous Affairs Ministry to accompany families who wantaccess to documents related to missing loved ones.

Lafrenire said he hopes to leanon Panasuk's experience and expertise for other Indigenous portfolios and said he will soon make an announcement on how Quebec will tackle the history of its residential schools.