QIA confirms nearly $26 million in federal funding for truth commission report

A $25.75-million sum from the federal government toward the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s Final Report and Recommendations has been received, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association confirmed this week.

The commission was created by QIA in 2007 to document the damaging policies and actions of the Canadian government and RCMP against Inuit in the Arctic from 1950 to 1975.

Its recommendations include sections on acknowledging past wrongs, and strengthening Inuit governance and culture.

A formal apology from the Government of Canada, along with an initial investment of more than $20 million, was issued in 2019. A memorandum of understanding between the two parties was also signed.

An addendum to the memorandum of understanding was signed Thursday confirming the government’s involvement in a final investment for the QTC final report and recommendations. For that final investment, QIA is seeking $31 million.

“We strive to create meaningful and healing programming consistent with the QTC Recommendations and aim towards addressing the impacts of policies developed and implemented by the Government of Canada from 1950-1975,” QIA president Olayuk Akesuk said in a news release.

Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller told Nunatsiaq News this second investment to the fund was in the works for some time.

“I’m just glad to be part of it,” he said.

He added the federal government has worked quietly with QIA to ensure Ottawa honours its commitment to helping implement the 25 recommendations of the commission’s report.

“It’s an ongoing process,” Miller said.

Once the final investment is received, a full Saimaqatigiingniq Fund will be established, QIA said in its release. According to the final report, Saimaqatigiingniq means “when past opponents get back together, meet in the middle, and are at peace.”