The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the unveiled a new monument dedicated to the SA国际影视传媒檚 Inuit Special Constables and their Qimmiit (sled dogs) in front of the SA国际影视传媒檚 V Division Headquarters in Iqaluit on Dec. 2.
Featuring an Inuit Special Constable and a sled dog, the life-sized statue in front of the building was carved by Inuit artists Looty Pijaamini and Paul Maliki.
SA国际影视传媒淰 Division is honoured to have had the opportunity to work with QIA and the Inuit carvers on this incredible project that will recognize the courageous work of the Inuit Special Constable and the qimmiit,SA国际影视传媒� said V Division Commanding Officer Amanda Jones.
Jones stated that it was the Inuit Special Constables SA国际影视传媒� and those Inuit men and women who gave their aid before the role was established SA国际影视传媒� that ensured the young men were able to perform their duties, guiding long patrols by dog sled and by boat.
SA国际影视传媒淲ithout them, the would not have survived,SA国际影视传媒� Jones added.
QIA president Olayuk Akesuk praised the monument as another step towards reconciliation as outlined in the Qikiqtani Truth Commission report, specifically recommendation three. SA国际影视传媒淪ince 2010, we have been implementing the recommendations coming from the QTC report,SA国际影视传媒� said Akesuk, SA国际影视传媒淨IA is proud of the work of Inuit carvers in bringing this era to life through their art.SA国际影视传媒�
Nunavut Premier and former QIA president P.J. Akeeagok was also glad to see another one of the reportSA国际影视传媒檚 recommendations moving forward, specifically with regards to the role the Special Constables had in Nunavut.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey played a significant role right across Nunavut as well as the significant sacrifices they themselves and their families have made. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 such a special moment to see the monument being unveiled today,SA国际影视传媒� said Akeeagok.
Former Inuit Special Constable Lew Phillip, born 1947, spoke in Inuktitut and recalled life in Arctic Bay decades ago. He reminisced on regularly meeting with officers in Pond Inlet, the nearest police station at the time, sheltering and helping feed the officers when they were in Arctic Bay.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey were clothed and fed by the people of these communities. Moving forward heSA国际影视传媒檚 hopeful and wants to move forward beyond all the painful experiences that happened in the 40s, 50s, and 60s when there was the culling of the dogs,SA国际影视传媒� interpreted Cst. Pauline Melanson on behalf of Phillip.
From the early to mid-20th century Inuit Special Constables accompanied members serving as translators, guides and generally helping southern survive in the Arctic.
