IQALUIT – The Crown and defence have jointly recommended a six-year prison sentence for Eric Dejaeger, a former Catholic priest, who has pleaded guilty to the indecent assault of several Inuit children over four decades ago. The case involves disturbing accounts of sexual abuse inflicted upon at least seven children, comprising six girls and one boy, between the years 1978 and 1982 in Igloolik, Nunavut.

In a courtroom session in Iqaluit, harrowing victim impact statements were presented by the five surviving complainants. These statements revealed the profound consequences of the sexual assaults on their lives, leading to issues such as addiction, mental health struggles, poor self-esteem, and a deep-seated mistrust of others. The long-term effects of the abuse have also rippled through the close-knit community, which has been significantly impacted by these events.

According to Prosecutor Emma Baasch, the socio-economic challenges and the enduring repercussions of colonialism in Nunavut created an environment that facilitated Dejaeger’s years of abuse within the community. The prosecutor emphasized the court's responsibility to balance the 77-year-old's guilty plea—which has spared the complainants from having to testify—against the severe and lasting harm caused by his actions in determining an appropriate sentence.

During her sentencing argument, Baasch stated, "Ultimately no sentence can erase the harm," highlighting the complexities of justice in such cases. She expressed hope that the victims might find some semblance of closure following this process, underscoring the emotional toll inflicted upon them due to Dejaeger’s misconduct.

This matter is a tragic representation of the abuse of power within institutions meant to protect the vulnerable. The case of Eric Dejaeger serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and highlights the critical need for justice and healing for victims of sexual violence.