One year ago today, on August 14, 2019, the Government of Canada formally acknowledged and apologized for modern-day colonial practices imposed on Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region between 1950 and 1975, such as forced relocations, family separation, and killing of qimmiit.

Along with this apology was a signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a promise of a renewed partnership towards positive change.

To date, the Federal Government has pledged $20 million to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for work related to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. Negotiations to reach our financial goal have been impacted by COVID-19.

QIA’s work on initiatives related to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission have also been impacted by COVID-19, with the closure of our offices and programs from mid-March to mid-June.

To date, QIA has used some of the initial resources received from the Government of Canada to hire a Qimmiit Revitalization Coordinator, who is focusing on qimmiit related projects and programs. The Qimmiit Revitalization Coordinator’s work includes:

• Building a database of qimmiit practitioners in the Qikiqtani Region
• Starting a survey with qimmiit practitioners in the Qikiqtani Region on a strengths and needs assessment

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission was instrumental in gaining recognition for serious historic injustices that were committed by the Government of Canada. QIA is committed to working with our partners to continue to build a sustainable response to the recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s final report.

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission is the first Inuit-sponsored and Inuit-led initiative of its kind. It is also a rare example of a comprehensive social justice inquiry led by an Indigenous organization. To learn more about the Qikiqtani Truth Commission visit: https://www.qtcommission.ca/en/home.