This book investigates the forced relocation of an Inuit family by the Canadian government in the 1950s and the subsequent struggle for survival in the High Arctic. Melanie McGrath utilizes extensive archival research and personal interviews to reconstruct the life of Joseph Flaherty, the illegitimate son of filmmaker Robert Flaherty. The narrative examines the intersection of colonial policy, social engineering, and the resilience of a displaced community as they navigate an environment far removed from their ancestral home.

The work is regarded as a meticulously researched and empathetic account of a neglected chapter in Canadian history. Its focus on the human cost of administrative policy provides a sobering perspective on the impact of state intervention on indigenous lives.