Reconciliation / Qikiqtani Truth Commission
Apology to Qikiqtani Inuit
On August 14, 2019 the Government of Canada formally acknowledged and apologized for colonial practices and policies which radically transformed the Inuit homeland and traditional ways of life.
Between 1950 and 1975, the Government of Canada imposed modern-day colonial practices on Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region, including forced relocation, family separation and killing of qimmiit (sled dogs).
As part of the apology, Canada and QIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work in partnership to build a long-term and sustainable responses to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s findings. Initial investments agreed upon between Canada and QIA include:
- $15 million towards QIA’s Legacy Fund
- Over $2 million for Inuit history and governance programs
- $2.9 million for a qimmiit (sled dog) revitalization program, including $100,000 in annual sponsorship to the Nunavut Quest (from 2020 – 2027). The Nunavut Quest is an annual qimmiit race which started in 1999. The event helps to connect Inuit to our traditional activities and culture. The race’s starting location rotates annually throughout the Qikiqtani Region.
- Over $1.2 million for a travel and healing program for Inuit impacted by the Dundas Harbour relocation, and the closing of Kivitoo, Paallavvik, and South Camp communities.
Brief History of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission:
For many years Canada ignored QIA’s requests for a public inquiry into colonial policies and practices imposed on Qikiqtani Inuit between 1950-75 and instead directed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to investigate these allegations.
QIA was deeply disappointed with the RCMP report, which contradicted and rejected Inuit accounts of this history. In response to the RCMP report, QIA established an independent truth commission. Approximately 350 Inuit participated through public hearings to uncover the truth about the Government of Canada’s policies and practices. These findings are published and available on the QTC website.
In the spirit of reconciliation, QIA requested the Government of Canada acknowledge the hardships imposed on Inuit to allow forgiveness and healing. Reconciliation, for Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region, means taking action on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s Final Report: Achieving Saimaqatigiingniq (2010).
To learn more:
Action on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission report
Qikiqtani Truth Commission website
Saimaqatigiingniq Fund Programs
In 2020, QIA launched the Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project (QQP) to assist Qikiqtani Inuit with the maintenance of their dog teams. Qikiqtani Inuit who have five dogs or more can apply for the funding.
This three-year pilot project provides funding to Qikiqtani Inuit who are established qimmiit practitioners. Each eligible applicant will receive $3,000 as a one-time payment. The program is part of QIA’s ongoing work on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.
The pilot project ran until March 2023. In November 2023, QIA announced the launch of QPP as a permanent program and increased the funding from $3,000 to $3,500 for each eligible recipient.
To learn more or to access the application:
Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project – Application
Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Program
Assisting Qikiqtani Inuit with the Maintenance of Their Dog Teams
In 2020, QA launched the Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project (QQP) to assist Qikiqtani Inuit with the maintenance of their dog teams. Qikiqtani Inuit who have five dogs or more can apply for the funding.
This three-year pilot project provides funding to Qikiqtani Inuit who are established qimmiit practitioners. Each eligible applicant received $3,000 as a one-time payment. The pilot project ran until March 2023. In November 2023, QIA announced the launch of QPP as a permanent program and increased the funding from $3,000 to $3,500 for each eligible recipient. The program is part of QIA’s ongoing work on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.
To learn more or to access the application:
Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project – Application
