In a significant gesture of reconciliation, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, has formally apologized to the Inuit community in Nunavik for the federal government’s complicity in the tragic mass killing of sled dogs that occurred in the region during the 1950s and 1960s.
Anandasangaree delivered this heartfelt apology on Saturday evening at the community center in Kangiqsujuaq, a central hub in Nunavik, Quebec. The event was attended by community members, respected elders who witnessed the atrocities firsthand, and representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), all present to lend their support.
“On behalf of the government of Canada and all Canadians, I am sorry, I am sorry. Please forgive us,” he expressed with deep emotion during a moving 15-minute address, which was met with a powerful standing ovation from many in the audience.
Anandasangaree described the dog slaughter as “a horrendous betrayal,” emphasizing that “it should not have taken decades for Canada to apologize to Nunavik Inuit,” portraying the long-awaited recognition of their suffering.
The federal government previously apologized to the Inuit in Nunavut for the RCMP’s involvement in similar dog killings there in 2019. This prior acknowledgment highlights the ongoing journey toward healing and accountability.
Several representatives of Makivvik Corporation, the organization advocating for Inuit in Nunavik, shared their insights during the ceremony. Their long-standing efforts have been focused on obtaining recognition from both federal and provincial governments regarding the devastating impact of the sled dog slaughter.
Pita Aatami, president of the Makivvik Corporation, emotionally recounted personal stories he had heard about the anguishing impact of the sled dog massacre in Nunavik. The corporation had initiated a comprehensive investigation into the repercussions of the dog slaughter back in 1999, compiling testimonies from approximately 200 individuals.
Those interviewed described the devastating consequences of the killing of over 1,000 sled dogs, which severely hindered their ability to traverse the land and pursue hunting for their sustenance, ultimately undermining their traditional way of life.
A thorough investigation conducted by Jean-Jacques Croteau, a retired Superior Court judge, concluded in 2010 that Quebec provincial police had killed more than 1,000 dogs “without any consideration for their importance to Inuit families.” His findings highlighted the eco-cultural significance of the sled dogs to the Inuit community.
Croteau’s report underscored the federal government’s failure to intervene or condemn the killings, stating, “The federal agents and civil servants failed to intervene on behalf of the government of Canada,” emphasizing the severity of this neglect.
In 2011, then-Quebec Premier Jean Charest formally apologized to the Inuit in Nunavik for the province’s role in these tragic events, reaching a settlement with Makivvik for $3 million aimed at promoting and preserving Inuit language and culture.
The federal government also pledged to provide financial compensation to Inuit in Nunavik for the injustices faced during the dog slaughter. President Pita Aatami of Makivvik Corporation indicated that they are anticipating a substantial donation of $45 million from the federal government, which will be allocated between direct compensation for the survivors and initiatives designed to rejuvenate the culture of dog team ownership in Nunavik.
How do you envision the impact of the recent apology from the federal government on ongoing healing efforts within the Inuit community in Nunavik?
**Interview with Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik Corporation**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Pita. The recent apology from Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, must be a significant moment for the Inuit community in Nunavik. Can you share your thoughts on the impact of this apology?
**Pita Aatami:** Thank you for having me. Yes, this apology marks a crucial step in our journey towards healing. For many in our community, the sled dog slaughter is not just a historical event; it represents a deep wound. The Minister’s acknowledgment of the federal government’s complicity is a powerful validation of our suffering. When he said, “On behalf of the government of Canada and all Canadians, I am sorry, I am sorry. Please forgive us,” it resonated deeply with those who lived through those tragic times.
**Editor:** You attended the apology event in Kangiqsujuaq. What was the atmosphere like among the community members and elders present?
**Pita Aatami:** The atmosphere was one of mixed emotions—relief, sorrow, and hope. Many elders who witnessed these events firsthand were there, and their presence added a profound weight to the occasion. It was heartening to see the standing ovation in response to the Minister’s words. It felt like a long-awaited moment of recognition. The hugs, the tears—these were symbols of a community yearning for acknowledgment and reconciliation.
**Editor:** The incident was described by Anandasangaree as “a horrendous betrayal.” How do you think this language resonates with the Inuit community, considering the historical context?
**Pita Aatami:** His words encapsulate the betrayal felt by so many. The slaughter of our sled dogs was not just an act of violence against animals; it was an attack on our way of life, our culture, and our identity. For decades, we sought acknowledgment of this wrongdoing. The Minister’s choice to call it a betrayal underscores the deep rift it created between the Inuit and the federal government. It’s a recognition that we weren’t just victims but that our cultural practices and connections to our animals, which are vital to our identity, were brutally disrupted.
**Editor:** Prior to this, the federal government had offered an apology to the Inuit in Nunavut for similar injustices. How does this compare, and what do you think needs to happen next for Nunavik?
**Pita Aatami:** The apology to Nunavut was an important step, but it should not have taken so long for Nunavik to receive the same acknowledgment. Moving forward, we need more than apologies—we need action. It’s essential to see commitments to support our community directly, including initiatives that empower our cultural practices and address ongoing issues stemming from these historical wrongs. We will continue our advocacy to ensure that these conversations lead to tangible benefits for our people, including mental health support and cultural revitalization initiatives.
**Editor:** Thank you, Pita, for your insights. Your voice and the work of the Makivvik Corporation are vital in this ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation for the Inuit community.
