Last month, about 40 Inuit elders, including Silpa Obed, traveled to Hebron and Nutak in northern Labrador, organized by the Nunatsiavut government and the Royal Canadian Navy with funding from the Arctic Inspiration Prize. This trip marked a significant return for many, some of whom had not been back since they were forcibly relocated as children between 1953 and 1965 due to a provincial resettlement policy.
The elders, many of whom were displaced from their homes in Hebron and Nutak, experienced a profound emotional release during the visit. Obed, for example, shared deep-seated anger and resentment, revealing long-hidden pain. Lena Onalik, who helped organize the trip, saw it as a deeply personal and healing journey, bringing elders back to places tied to their childhoods.
The resettlement policy aimed to consolidate northern communities into larger southern centers, resulting in the displacement of 7,500 people and a severe disruption of the Inuit way of life. The relocations caused significant personal and cultural losses, with many Inuit families struggling to adapt to their new environments.
For Sarah Townley and others, the visit offered a chance to reconnect with their roots and understand the historical trauma better. Despite the painful memories, there was also a sense of resilience and gratitude among the elders. The trip highlighted the enduring strength of the Inuit community and their ongoing efforts to preserve and share their heritage.
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