January 29, 1945 - The Surprising Way the Inuit Helped the Allies

From the Operations Record Book:  

The Squadron was called upon to supply 29 aircraft and crews for operations.  Briefing originally fixed for 14.00 hours, altered to 14.30 hours, brought forward to 14.15 hours and finally postponed until 16.15 hours.  The weather forecast up to into afternoon did not appear too healthy, sudden deteriorations in visibility general were expected and the boys were however once again disappointed for the operations were cancelled as soon as they had drawn their flying rations.  The flying training programme laid on suffered by the bad weather, no flying being done at all.  Snow laid thick on the ground with more to come, but the runways and perimeter track were kept serviceable by all available personnel on the station.  Apart from the fact that more shoveling is good healthy exercise for all taking part, the issue of rum at the conclusion of the task is appreciated by most and it almost amounts to an incentive.

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Image source Newswire.ca

Inuk elder Qapik Attagutsiak is being honoured by Parks Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian War Museum, for her contribution to the Second World War. 

The Inuit contributed to the war effort in a surprising way, painstakingly collecting material used by the Allies to make ammunition.

Read more Honoring the Arctic's Last Known Bone Collector

Read more about Qapik Attagutsiak