KIA Asks Inuit to Turn Themselves in for Breaking the Law

The Keewatin Inuit Association asked Inuit, “as good law abiding citizens, and in support of two fellow Inuit facing court charges” to turn themselves in for breaking the law.

Thomas Tiktak, president of KIA, said he hoped to accomplish three things by this

1. It would show support for two Inuit men from Rankin Inlet who were charged under a law they feel is unjust
2. It would illustrate to the government that it is necessary to break the law to eat; and
3. It would show the government that, as good citizens of Canada, Inuit feel they must turn themselves in for breaking a law even iof they consider it to be unjust.

The incident being protested arose when two men from Rankin Inlet were charged with fishing without a license.

At the time NWT law stated that fishing permits were required unless fishing using traditional methods by an First Nations, Inuit, or other person of mixed heritage – the two Inuit charged were fishing to provide food for their families using rod and reel.

Initially KIA had asked the government to drop the charges – the request was refused.