History

A Little Bit About Our Past

Grise Fiord’s unique story starts in 1953, when Canada moved eight families to Ellesmere Island to strengthen the country’s claim over the High Arctic during the Cold War. The remnants of their “old village” lies close to Grise Fiord, along with the ancient campsites of early Inuit.

These Inuit families were relocated from Inukjuak, Quebec. They were promised homes, and lavish wildlife for hunting, but these promises did not materialize. Nor were they allowed to return home within a one-year timeframe, as had been promised.

In time the Inuit learned to survive, as they had no other choice. They had to rely on knowledge of the migration routes of whales, and on hunting over a very large and expansive area.

Our Monument – A Must See!

The 2010 monument, carved by Looty and Matthew Pijamini from a granite boulder, shows a distraught Inuit mother clutching her daughter.

A plaque reads: “In memory of Inuit landed here in 1953 & 1955, and those who came after. They came to these desolate shores to pursue the Government’s promise of a more prosperous life. They endured and overcame great hardship, and dedicated their lives to Canada’s sovereignty in these lands and waters.”