The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is greatly disturbed by a poster distributed by the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. The poster advertises an Inuk baby boy ready for adoption for a strong Inuit family and uses language such as “He loves being cuddled” and “He is a beautiful, calm and loving baby.”

QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak said she was deeply offended when she read the poster.

“The poster makes it sound like they are trying to give away a puppy,” said President Eegeesiak. “There is a correct way to go about trying to find a loving home for a child in need of adoption and advertising him on a poster is not it. Given the sensitivities involved with adopting Inuit children it is offensive the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa would choose this method. They should have known better.”

QIA has been in touch with the Society to strongly express displeasure over the poster, encourage them to remove it from distribution and find other ways to find a home for the child.

President Eegeesiak has also been in contact with Tungasuvvingat Inuit, one of the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa’s partners, regarding the poster. While they do partner with the Society, they knew nothing about the poster nor approve of its contents.

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For further information, please contact:

Craig Welsh
Director of Communications
Tel: (867) 975-8416
Fax: (867) 979-3238
E-mail: dircomm@qia.ca