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Inuit dog death probe begins

Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Lake Harbour (Mar 03/03) - Between 1950 and 1960, the Canadian government instituted a policy that resulted in the slaughter of hundreds of Inuit sled dogs.

The controversial decision was, in the day, said to have been made to protect public health.

But for the Inuit people, it was an attack on their culture and nomadic way of life.

"It's a deeply felt concern for every community we have visited," said John McDougall, director of social policy with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA).

The QIA has established three new committees following a Kimmirut board meeting last month.

The Dog Slaughter/Relocation Committee, mandated to investigate circumstances surrounding the destruction of the sled dogs by the RCMP in the Baffin region and seek appropriate compensation, was one of those three.

"We are at the start of our evidence collection," said McDougall.

He added the QIA cannot predict how many claims may be filed.

"The issue is not only the loss of the dogs. There were psychological effects, cultural effects and spiritual effects," he said.

The second committee formed during the board meeting was the Social/Cultural Committee, which will identify social and cultural issues affecting Inuit in the Baffin region.

Through that work the committee will serve as a resource for advice and guidance on future QIA policy. It will also serve as a connection to the communities.

"It will be a good connection. If we want to get the Inuit politicians' attention and flag something for funding, we can do that through this committee," said McDougall.

The five-member committee will represent all facets of the community including elders, women and youth.

The third committee will assist the QIA in its commitment to effective communication and promote the awareness of the Inuktitut language.

The committee will help to compile common terms in Inuktitut and assist in enhancing the QIA's regional profile.

A representative from each community will be selected to serve on the committees and the QIA is seeking interested candidates.