Iqaluit, Nunavut – Qikiqtani Inuit Association commends the Quebec Government for issuing an apology for the dog slaughter that took place in Nunavik by police and government in the 1950s and 1960s. The Quebec Premier, honorable Jean Charest issued the apology in Kangiqsualujjuaq.
“This is an important step towards building a more meaningful relationship based on trust between Inuit communities and Government in Nunavik,” said QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigated internally regarding the sled dog killing allegations in 2006 and cleared themselves of any wrongdoing stating that the killings were done in the interest of public safety. This was followed by a report by Judge Jean‐Jacques Croteau in 2010 that found that the federal government did slaughter hundreds of sled dogs in order to force Inuit into community settlements in Nunavik.
In 2007, QIA initiated the Qikiqtani Truth Commission process that looked into the dog slaughter and many other areas of historical wrongs done by Government. The purpose of it was to promote healing among those who suffered from historic wrongs, and to improve relations between Inuit and governments. It is a report that speaks to Canadian history for the first time through the voices of Inuit from the Qikiqtaaluk region of Nunavut.
“The Qikiqtani Truth Commission is broader than the sled dog killings and covers education, relocation, housing, health, justice and many more areas. The Inuit truth must be acknowledged by the federal government before the healing can begin for our region, said Eegeesiak.
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has recently completed an implementation plan for the Qikiqtani Truth Commission report and will be seeking responses from various levels of government.
For further information, contact:
David Joanasie
Media Relations Advisor
Tel: (867) 975 8414
Fax: (867) 979 3238
E‐mail: media@qia.ca