First Nations are not happy with the results of last week's roundtable talks on missing and murdered aboriginal women.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief he was frustrated following the conclusion of the roundtable talks in Ottawa last Friday.
"I'm frustrated because we've been at this a long time," said Bellegarde.
Aboriginal leaders met with federal and provincial leaders last week to tackle the issue of violence against aboriginal women.
They came out of the meeting with a framework committing to a dialogue on prevention and awareness, safety in First Nations communities, and policing and the justice system. They also agreed to meet again before the end of 2016 to discuss progress.
While Bellegarde welcomed the framework, he said "everybody expected more action-oriented results" 鈥� like money.
"April 1 is coming. Fiscal year is coming. Will there be key strategic investments from the federal government side in housing and in daycares and safe shelters? The provinces could also make key strategic investments in those areas," said Bellegarde.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne admitted Friday that she is growing impatient with the process.
Bellegarde said frustration was evident around the table at last week's talks, especially when it came to calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.
"This was an action-oriented process," said Bellegarde. "It doesn't take the place of a push for a national inquiry."
While Bellegarde acknowledged Status of Women Minister Kellie Leitch and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt's presence at the roundtable talks, he said all government departments have to be involved in discussions about missing and murdered aboriginal women.
"You need Justice there, you need Health there, you need HRSDC there for training and employment," .
The Conservative government has repeatedly expressed its opposition to a national inquiry. Speaking to reporters at a government press conference following the meeting last week, Leitch said the government is committed to the agreed-upon action plan.
Leitch also highlighted the government's commitment of $25 million over five years to continue to reduce violence against aboriginal women and girls. But that isn鈥檛 enough, says Bellegarde.
"$25 million over five years is just scratching the surface. If you're going to deal with the systemic problems, if you're going to deal with poverty, if you鈥檙e going to deal with homelessness, if you're going with the need for safe shelters, where are those key strategic investments now? They're not there."
Not a First Nations problem
Bellegarde also rejected recent comments from Leitch in the Globe and Mail suggesting that aboriginal men are the ones threatening aboriginal women.
"For government officials to keep making those statements that it's an Indian problem or a First Nations problem, it鈥檚 the men that are doing this, are very ill-informed," said Bellegarde. "People have to stop blaming and pointing the finger. There's an obligation of the federal government to deal with this."
Frustration for families of victims
Lorelei Williams, who lost a cousin and an aunt, said she was walked away angry after the roundtable meeting.
"I feel like I was just clawing away to get my voice heard," .
Michele Pineault, whose daughter's remains were found on Robert Pickton's farm in B.C., said she was particularly bothered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's refusal to attend the talks.
"He's proven to us time and time again that he doesn鈥檛 care. That what he is showing us. That he just does not care."
