IKE1040 Forced Relocation Video

Summary

This video discusses the forced relocation of Inuit families by the Canadian government in the 1950s, as part of a Cold War-era strategy to assert sovereignty over the Arctic. Promised better living conditions and hunting grounds, the families faced harsh realities of extreme cold, inadequate housing, and limited resources in their new northern communities. The video explores the emotional and human impact of this relocation, highlighting personal stories of families torn apart, and the lasting effects of this policy, which continued to shape Inuit communities for decades. The video also reflects on the ongoing importance of this history and the Canadian government's apology in 2010.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. military established a significant presence in the Canadian Arctic during World War II and the Cold War to monitor Soviet activities.
• 😀 The Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, set up between 1954 and 1985, was a network of radar stations across the Arctic to detect Russian bombers and missiles.
• 😀 The northernmost islands of Canada were largely uninhabited due to their harsh environment, but Canada needed to assert territorial claims over them.
• 😀 To claim these uninhabited areas, Canada relocated Inuit families from Northern Quebec to the Arctic in 1953, promising better living conditions.
• 😀 Inuit families were promised good hunting grounds, modern housing, and that they would not be separated from their families, but these promises were largely broken.
• 😀 Upon arrival in the Arctic communities of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, Inuit families faced extreme hardships, including subzero temperatures and inadequate housing.
• 😀 The RCMP imposed harsh restrictions on hunting, and many Inuit families were forced to scavenge for food, resulting in punishments for those caught.
• 😀 The two-year return promise made to the relocated families was broken, and they were not allowed to return home without bearing the cost of travel.
• 😀 Some families did return home after 15-20 years, but the relocation left lasting trauma and division within communities, with families split across locations.
• 😀 In 1988, the Canadian government issued an apology for the forced relocations, but the impacts of the event are still felt by the affected families today.

Q & A

What historical context does the video introduce to explain the relocation of the Inuit people?

The video provides a historical context that begins with World War II when the U.S. established a large military presence in the Canadian Arctic to be closer to Russia. This military presence was strengthened during the Cold War, which lasted until the 1990s. These events set the stage for the U.S. building radar stations (DEW Line sites) across the Arctic, which influenced Canada's actions in the region.

What were the DEW Line sites and why were they significant?

The DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) sites were radar stations built between 1954 and 1985 across the Arctic, from Alaska through Canada to Greenland and Iceland. They were significant because they were set up to detect Russian bombers and missiles during the Cold War, marking a heavy militarization of the Arctic region.

Why did Canada move Inuit families to the northernmost islands of the country?

Canada moved Inuit families to the northernmost islands to claim these areas as part of Canada, as they were considered up for grabs internationally. This was done to establish Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic islands, which were largely uninhabited and difficult to access due to harsh conditions.

How did the RCMP convince the Inuit families to relocate?

The RCMP recruited Inuit families by promising better living conditions, good hunting grounds, and free housing. They also promised not to split up families and assured that if the families didn’t like the relocation, they could return to their original communities in two years, with the government covering the cost.

What challenges did the Inuit families face upon arrival in the new communities?

Upon arrival in the new communities like Greely Fiord and Resolute Bay, the Inuit families faced harsh winters, with temperatures averaging -31°C in winter. They lived in canvas tents during their first winter, struggled to find adequate food, and faced challenges like a shortage of caribou, leading to scarcity and some families scavenging for food.

What was the impact of the broken promise regarding family separation?

One of the major grievances was that the RCMP had promised not to separate families, but upon arrival, they were split up between different communities. This betrayal of trust made the relocation even more traumatic for the Inuit families, who had initially agreed to move on the condition of staying together.

What were the long-term consequences of the relocation for the Inuit families?

The long-term consequences included enduring difficult living conditions for many years, with some families not being allowed to return home after the promised two years. Many families spent 15 to 20 years in these northern communities before being able to return to their original homes, and the relocation caused long-lasting divisions within Inuit families.

How did the Canadian government address the injustice of the relocation years later?

In 1988, the Canadian government finally agreed to pay for the return of Inuit families who had been relocated. The government also formally apologized in 2010 for the relocation, acknowledging the severe impact it had on the families involved.

What role did the song mentioned in the video play in conveying the experience of relocation?

The song mentioned in the video serves to emotionally communicate the hardships faced by the relocated families, particularly the uncertainty and hardship they experienced during the relocation. It symbolizes their longing for better conditions and the hope for a future return, encapsulating the deep emotional impact of the event.

What is the current population of the two communities, Greely Fiord and Resolute Bay?

As of the latest data mentioned in the video, Greely Fiord has around 130 residents, and Resolute Bay has about 198 residents.