(October 9, 2013 –Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today commended the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for their excellent work on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission over the last six years.
Towtongie made the comments following QIA’s launch of a two-book set and a film that includes the histories of all 13 Qikiqtaaluk communities and covers topics such as colonialism, housing, education, sled dogs, economic development, mobility and health care. QIA launched the commission in 2007 to record the oral history of Baffin Island Inuit from the period of 1950-1975. The books are based on those oral interviews as well as historical documents.
The goal of this project was to promote healing and forgiveness among Inuit who suffered from government decisions and policies, and to start to repair the relationship between Inuit and government organizations.
“On behalf of the NTI Board of Directors, I commend QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak, and the QIA Board and staff on this tremendous accomplishment. What is presented here is at last an accurate portrayal of what really happened to Inuit during this time period. It is my wish that we can now begin to heal from these past wrongs and move on to a healthier, happier relationship with the government and its agencies,” said Towtongie.
“I hope these books are integrated into the Canadian education system so that children in this country have the opportunity to study the accurate history of Inuit,” said Towtongie.
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