The Legacy of Hope Foundation Presents – Roots & Hoots Episode 39: Featuring Martha Flaherty

(Ottawa, ON) - March 1, 2023 - On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by the incomparable Martha Flaherty. Martha is an Inuk woman and Residential School Survivor. Martha is also an Inuktitut interpreter, translator, and former President of Pauktuutit, the national Inuit women’s organization of Canada. As demonstrated through her career and legacy, Martha is a gifted storyteller and above all a pillar of strength for her community and for her family.

Martha Flaherty was born in Inukjuak, Northern Quebec. At the early age of five, her family was relocated to the High Arctic, to start new settlements in Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. This time in Canadian history is known as the Inuit High Arctic Relocation and took place during the 1950s.

“When we went up there, there was nothing. It was like landing on the moon.”

Eighteen other families were also involved in the relocation project authorized and requested by the Federal Government in order to claim sovereignty of the Arctic islands during the Cold War era. Martha and her family left their homeland, never to return. Upon their arrival up North, Martha shares: “When we went up there, there was nothing. It was like landing on the moon.”

A caution to listeners, that this episode may be difficult to listen to, as the wounds are deep and visceral. We recommend to the listeners to be mindful of the emotions that may come up for them and to understand the strength it takes to overcome such tragedies.

Martha’s career and legacy draws connection to her paternal grandfather, Robert Flaherty, who made the ground-breaking documentary Nanook From the North in the 1920s. The film depicts the lives of Indigenous Peoples living in Northern Quebec. In 2009, Martha of the North was released and features Martha’s retelling of her family’s relocation to the High Arctic and what life became for them in Grise Fiord. We strongly recommend listeners check both of these films out! Martha is currently working on a second documentary about her life with a possible feature film in the works.

On the topic of Reconciliation and actions that must be taken in order to to move forward together, Martha shares some poignant points. In 2010, the Honourable John Duncan, PC, MP, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, apologized on behalf of the Federal Government, but there has never been an apology offered by the Prime Minister of Canada, that recognizes the harm caused to the Inuit families during the High Arctic relocation. Another point Martha hopes to see is a permanent exhibition of the Inuit High Arctic Relocation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Awareness through education is an impactful healing tool, and we all play a role in bringing truth to light, no matter how hard it may be at times.

“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to hear from Martha. This history must be told and we are thankful that she shared her life with us on Roots and Hoots so we can all learn from what she and many others have experienced,” said Teresa Edwards, LHF Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 22 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and impacts on 7 generations of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children, their families and communities from attending Residential and/or Day School. By fostering empathy and understanding, LHF encourages people to address discrimination and injustice and contributes to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow. LHF also has curricula for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, and Podcasts all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. In order to offer solutions on how to be an ally. The LHF works to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.

For Media inquiries, please contact:

Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B./J.D., Executive Director & In-House Legal Counsel, LHF Email: [email protected]Tel: 613-237-4806 ext. 303