Canadian government apologizes for dog slaughter and offers compensation
On Saturday, the Canadian government delivered a formal apology to the Canadian Inuit people for the mass killing of sled dogs in the 1950s and 1960s, acknowledging that the killing were done under federal authority.
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree delivered the apology Saturday evening at the local community center of Kangiqsujuaq in Nunavik, the Inuit region of northern Quebec.
Thousands of sled dogs were shot by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other authorities. Reportedly, this was because of a concern for public safety and because they were being replaced by snowmobiles. However, the topic is disputed, and there are few records.
The killing led to food and economic insecurity, as well as the loss of traditional ways of accessing lands. It also caused deep and lasting emotional wounds, said the government in a statement.
The minister also announced that 45 million dollars would be allocated to revitalizing the region's dog team ownership culture and 'everything needed to raise dog teams,' such as training, food, and fencing.