Canada Apologizes to Inuit for Sled Dog Killings

The Canadian government has officially apologized to the Inuit of northern Quebec for the mass killing of sled dogs, known as 'qimmiit', which occurred from the 1950s to the 1960s. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, delivered the apology and announced C$45 million in compensation aimed at healing the intergenerational trauma inflicted by these actions. The slaughter, primarily conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, led to significant food and economic insecurity among the Inuit, who relied on sled dogs for hunting and travel. Inuit leaders emphasized the necessity of this acknowledgment and funding to revitalize their culture and address past injustices. The compensation is intended to support initiatives that promote cultural restoration, including dog team ownership and training, as well as direct financial restitution. This apology follows previous government efforts to reconcile with Indigenous communities affected by colonial policies.