Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today unveiled a monument commissioned to commemorate the Inuit forcibly relocated to Resolute Bay from Inukjuak in the 1950s. A second monument will be unveiled in Grise Fiord on Friday, September 10.

“The unveiling of the monuments is an important step in helping Inuit find closure and healing from these terrible events,” said Eetoolook. “The wounds are deep and decades old, but now that an apology from the Government of Canada has been issued, and the monuments are finished, it will allow Inuit the opportunity to remember, grieve and heal,” he said.

In August, Indian and Northern Affairs Minister John Duncan issued an official apology on behalf of the federal government for forcing Inuit to relocate, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered a personal apology to surviving original relocatees during his recent visit to Resolute Bay.

Many dignitaries joined NTI and Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord community members for the events.

Artists Simeonie Amagoalik (Resolute Bay) and Looty Pijamini (Grise Fiord) were commissioned to carve the monuments, and artist Danny Osborne (Iqaluit) worked in a supportive role.

Healing circles were held in both communities following the unveiling.