Families of indigenous women and girls who’ve been murdered or are missing – have gathered in Ottawa.

They’re there to hear how the federal government is going to convene an inquiry into their lost loved ones across Canada.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett will announce the responsibilities of the chief commissioner and five other commissioners on Wednesday.

The $40 million inquiry will have broad powers.

Commissioners can compel witnesses to testify – as they travel from coast to coast to hear testimonies – in an inquiry that will examine systemic issues of violence – including poverty and the cultural and historical causes of the vulnerabilities of indigenous women.

The inquiry into the more than 1,100 murdered and missing aboriginal women and girls comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to get one underway if he was elected.

Former PM Stephen Harper refused to hold an inquiry.