A local family whose daughter has been missing for almost eight years is feeling hopeful, as the federal government moves forward with an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. Jennifer Catcheway was reported missing in June, 2008 and her parents attended this week's pre-inquiry consultation in Winnipeg. Bernice Catcheway says it was an emotional couple of days, as families of missing or murdered women shared their stories in front of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett.

"I'm hoping for answers. Over the years, for myself it will be eight years in June for my daughter Jennifer, we've been talking and talking, and now it's time for action. I think with the new government that came in, action is taking place. This is just the first phase of what's to come."

Catcheway's also encouraged by the approach the government is taking. She says no one knows the issue better than those who've seen their family members taken from them, and she's pleased they're being involved in the process. She says this issue needs to be brought to the forefront, because the situation isn't becoming better with time.

"Even though it's been eight years, it's still hard. It's still emotional, hurtful, it's a living nightmare every day, knowing your child is out there somewhere. I need people, I need Canada, never to forget about the missing and murdered women and girls, men and boys."

While she's not sure just when the actual inquiry will take place, Catcheway says there's a sense of hope that these families may finally see changes to the system.

"I'm actually hopeful. Hopefully an inquiry is going to take place. I don't know when, there's no specific date, as this is just preliminary meetings with the families. I don't know the dates of it, buT for myself I'm hoping that there will be change."

Her husband, Wilfred Catcheway, says it's about time the federal government is taking measures to address the issue. He compares the situation with missing and murdered indigenous women to the residential school system, noting similar feelings of neglect.

"This is another case of abuse, neglect, and not taking us seriously; it's racism. I'm really upset and frustrated with the system. The justice system has to change, so the missing and murdered are taken seriously."