Tanya Kappo resigns from MMIWG national inquiry staff

The national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls has lost a high-profile staff member.

Tanya Kappo, one of the early organizers of the Idle No More movement has resigned, effective June 15, according to a spokesperson for the inquiry. She was the inquiry's manager of community relations.

"In case you are wondering why I am no longer listed as 'Staff' it's because I resigned and my last day is this week, on June 15, 2017," Kappo posted on Facebook on June 11.

CBC News has tried to reach Kappo for comment but has not heard back.

On Twitter, the University of Manitoba law school graduatedescribes herself this way: "Proud Mama. Isaiah's Kookum. Freedom Fighter. Oskaskww. Politically Savvy. Extraordinairre. Space Maker. Space Taker."

The resignation comes after the inquiry held its first public hearings in Whitehorse and announced plans to delay testimony from other family members until an undetermined date in the fall.

• First hearings for MMIWG inquiry to begin in Whitehorse
• MMIWG postpones Edmonton, Thunder Bay meetings
• Frustrated families vow to 'blockade' MMIWG hearings

Inquiry spokesperson Berne Boltonsaid "the plan to fill that position has not been determined yet."

The inquiry has already lost two members of its communications team. Michael Hutchinsonwas let go inFebruary. Sue Montgomery resigned in May.

Community relations is a critical role for the inquiry, which has faced much criticism from family members of missing and murdered women for a lack of communication and transparency.

• 'Hurry up and wait' inquiry process hurting families