For some in Nunavik, federal apology for dog slaughter is a step toward reconciliation

For 25 years, Pita Aatami, the president of Makivvik Corporation, has been on a mission to get the Canadian government to apologize for its role in the mass killing of Nunavik sled dogs. Finally, last night, in a crowded community centre in Kangiqsujuaq, Que., his efforts paid off as the government issued a formal apology.

Aatami sees this apology as a step towards closure for the Inuit community who suffered greatly from the loss of over 1,000 qimmit (sled dogs) in the 1950s and 1960s. The impact of the dog slaughter went beyond just losing a means of transportation – it meant losing the ability to hunt, fish, and gather essential resources from the land.

One haunting story that Aatami remembers is that of Lousia Cookie, who risked her life to protect her dogs from being killed. The police officers showed no regard for the pleading of the Inuit people, who depended on their dogs for survival.

The federal government, represented by Minister Gary Anandasangaree, acknowledged that the apology should have come sooner. He expressed regret that many of those affected by the dog slaughter are no longer alive to hear the apology. However, he hopes that the apology will bring some closure and pave the way for healing and reconciliation.

In addition to the formal apology, the government has allocated $45 million in compensation for the Inuit in Nunavik. Part of this fund will go towards revitalizing the culture of dog team ownership, including training, food, and fencing. Some of the money will also be directed towards direct compensation for those impacted by the dog killings.

The events of the dog slaughter are linked to the legacy of residential schools, which forced families to settle in communities closer to the schools, resulting in the mass killing of sled dogs. The federal government’s failure to intervene or condemn the actions at the time was also highlighted in a report by Jean-Jacques Croteau.

Moving forward, there is still much work to be done in the path towards reconciliation. Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, stressed that this apology is just one step in addressing the larger issues of colonization that continue to impact the Inuit community.

The presence of RCMP officials at the apology ceremony symbolizes a commitment to acknowledging the past and working towards a more inclusive and respectful future. Despite the tragic history of the dog slaughter, there is hope that this apology can bring some healing and closure to the Inuit community in Nunavik.