QIKIQTANI TRUTH COMMISSION

TERMS OF REFERENCE

October 2007

Mandate

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, hereby directs that a Truth Commission, to be known as the “Qikiqtani Truth Commission”, be created to conduct an inquiry to investigate facts, interview witnesses, hold public hearings and to report to the members of QIA and to the public, the truth surrounding the “alleged Dog Slaughter”, “Relocations” and other decision-making of the Government up until 1980, and its effect on Inuit culture, economy and way of life.

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission’ main objective is to ensure an accurate history of the events referred to above. The truth and reconciliation process seeks to promote healing for those who suffered wrongdoings, as well as to heal relations between Inuit and the Government by providing an opportunity for uncovering all pertinent facts and allowing for acknowledgement and forgiveness. The Qikiqtani Truth Commission cannot provide compensation but will provide recommendations that will promote reconciliation.

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission will not investigate matters relating to the “high arctic relocations” and “residential schools” or other matters that have been or are subject to other processes, including judicial or quasi-judicial processes.

Name

The inquiry shall operate under the name of “Qikiqtani Truth Commission”.

Independence

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission shall operate independently and free from any interference from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Amnesty from Civil Suit

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association shall grant amnesty from civil suit to individuals who request it and make full disclosure of all the relevant facts, as decided by the Commissioner of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, relating to acts associated with the mandate of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

Commissioner

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association further directs that James Igloliorte be appointed as Commissioner of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

Process

The Commissioner is authorized to adopt any procedures and methods that he may consider expedient for the proper conduct of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. The Commissioner may receive any evidence or information which he considers to be helpful in fulfilling his mandate, whether or not such evidence or information would be admissible in court.

Hearings

The Commissioner is authorized to sit at any times and in any places in or outside Nunavut that he may decide is appropriate.

Hearings of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission shall be public, except when warranted by exceptional circumstances, the Commissioner, at his sole discretion, may hold private hearings and shall decide who may attend them.

Standing

The Commissioner is authorized to grant to any person who satisfies him that he or she has a substantial and direct interest in the subject-matter of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission an opportunity for appropriate participation in the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, including but not limited to Government officials and/or agents, in particular, past or present members of the Royal Mounted Police of Canada.

Languages of Operation

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission shall operate in Inuktitut and English.

Administrative Matters

The Commissioner is authorized to spend monies related to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s mandate, including but not limited to travel, hearings, translations, interpretation, research, etc.

The Commissioner is authorized to rent any space and facilities that may be required for the purposes of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

The Commissioner is authorized to engage the services of staff and experts required to fulfill the mandate of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

The Qikiqtani Truth Commission shall conduct its business in accordance to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association financial policies and shall provide regular financial reports to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Records

The Commissioner shall provide the papers and records of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association as soon as reasonably possible after the conclusion of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

Report

The Commissioner shall submit a final written report or reports no later than March 31, 2010, simultaneously in Inuktitut and English to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association Board of Directors and then to the public.