Ahiarmiut Relocation Claim Settlement
Description of Relocation Claim Settlement – Infographic
Looking back: history of failed relocations
1950: Without proper consultation or planning, Canada relocated Ahiarmiut from Ennadai Lake to unfamiliar island in Nueltin Lake without adequate shelter, supplies or caribou to hunt; Ahiarmiut then take 3 months to return home on foot
1957: Ahiarmiut relocated to North Henik and Oftedal Lakes; little government support, few caribou and desperate conditions lead to deaths of 7 community members
1958: After 3-day walk to Padlei post, survivors airlifted to Arviat in response to starvation conditions
1959-1960: Ahiarmiut relocated from Arviat to Rankin Inlet and then Whale Cove to join other Inuit on coast, with continuing hardship and cultural impacts
By 1969: Most Ahiarmiut had settled in Arviat
The claim
In 2008, the Ahiarmiut filed litigation against Canada seeking compensation and an apology for the relocations and the resulting losses.
Path to a negotiated settlement
- January 2017: Start of exploratory talks
- April 2018: Negotiations begin
- September 2018: Community approval
- September 2018: Canada approves settlement
- January 2019: Federal apology for relocations
The negotiated settlement
- Apology to Ahiarmiut from Canada
for negative impacts of the failed relocations - $5.75 million in compensation
for relocatees/their families and to foster healing and reconciliation
Historical photos courtesy of David Serkoak are a group photo from the last Ahiarmiut reunion at Ennadai Lake in September 1985 and a photo of his brother Silas Illungiayok drum dancing during that reunion.