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NLIS
January 22, 2005
(Executive Council)
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador apologizes to relocatees
Premier Danny Williams, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, today delivered a statement of apology to the Inuit of the former communities of Nutak and Hebron. The apology was for the way in which the decision to close those communities was made and for the difficulties experienced by them and their descendants, as a result of the closures.
Premier Williams said, "Newfoundlanders and Labradorians value a society of equality and justice. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the citizens of the province, recognizes that, in the past, it made mistakes in its treatment of the Inuit of Labrador. It is willing to learn from the past and to find ways to heal the negative impact that historical decisions and actions continue to have for certain Labrador Inuit today.
"In 1956 and 1959, the Government of Newfoundland closed the communities of Nutak and Hebron.
"Looking back, the closures were made without consultation with the Inuit of Nutak and Hebron. As a result of the closures, and the way they were carried out, the Inuit of Nutak and Hebron experienced a variety of personal hardships and social, family and economic problems. Some of those Inuit and their descendants continue to suffer difficulties," said the Premier.
"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the citizens of the province, apologizes to the Inuit of Nutak and Hebron for the way in which the decision to close those communities was made and for the difficulties experienced by them and their descendants as a result of the closures.
"What happened at Nutak and Hebron serves as an example of the need for governments to respect and carefully consider the needs and aspirations of the people affected by its decisions.
"As a symbol of reconciliation, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will assist the Labrador Inuit Association in erecting an appropriate monument to remember those relocated from Nutak and Hebron, upon which this apology will be inscribed," the Premier said.
LIA President William Andersen said, on behalf of Labrador Inuit: "It is very fitting that this apology comes on this day. The relocation of the people of Hebron and Nutak has had serious consequences for our people. We have always felt that this needed to be formally acknowledged before we could move forward. This signals a strengthened relationship between Labrador Inuit and the provincial government."
The apology was delivered in Nain. "Government appreciates the generosity of the Inuit elders in accepting it," said the Premier.
Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500
Jennifer Daly, LIA, (709) 753-0794
2005 01 22 5:45p.m.
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