Arctic Bay, Nunavut - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Dundas Harbour Relocation Society
Addressing past wrongs is key to advancing reconciliation and renewing the Inuit-Crown relationship.
Today, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs apologized for the multiple, forced relocations of Inuit families from their home in Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), Nunavut, to unfamiliar and unforgiving lands between 1934 and 1948.
These forced relocations prioritized Canada's sovereignty at the expense of Inuit lives, disregarding the well-being of children, youth, and their families. They shattered kinship ties, severed connections to the land, and eroded traditional knowledge and cultural identity. The profound harm inflicted continues to echo across generations, leaving a legacy of marginalization and intergenerational trauma.
The journey to this apology has been long, but has been driven by the resilience and advocacy of the survivors and their families. Isaac Shooyook, one of the last remaining survivors of the relocations, has spent years seeking justice. While many survivors are no longer here to witness this moment, we honor their strength, resilience, and the lasting impact of their fight for justice.
As part of a negotiated settlement signed on January 22, 2025, Canada provided $4.5 million to the Dundas Harbour Relocation Society, to support Inuit families who have carried the burden of these hardships. Although we recognize that no amount of money can truly compensate for erase the hardships endured by Inuit, this settlement represents a meaningful step towards healing and justice.
This long-overdue apology is a vital step toward healing the relationship between the federal government and Inuit, advancing reconciliation, and fostering a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous future for Inuit.
