Nunavik must talk about ‘social fabric’ after Inukjuak shooting, KRG says
Officials extend support as community deals with ‘exchange of gunfire’ that injured man, young daughter
Kativik Regional Government chairperson Maggie Emudluk, seen at a KRG council meeting in 2024, says Nunavimmiut need to talk about their “social fabric” after a police-involved shooting in Inukjuak on Dec. 20 sent a man and his young daughter to a Montreal hospital for treatment. (File photo by Cedric Gallant)
Nunavimmiut need to start talking about their “social fabric” following Saturday’s police-involved shooting in Inukjuak that sent a man and his daughter to a Montreal hospital with injuries, the head of the regional government says.
“As Nunavimmiut, we need to start talking about our social fabric. We need to find ways to stop these near-tragedies. It’s on all of us to come together to reduce violence in our communities,” Kativik Regional Government chairperson Maggie Emudluk said in a news release issued Tuesday evening.
Emudluk and Inukjuak Mayor Bobby Epoo were reacting to what KRG called the community’s “second major incident this year involving a confrontation with police.”
It was the fourth time Nunavik Police Service officers have shot at civilians since November 2024, killing or wounding six people. Three Inuit men died after being shot by police; three people were injured — including the girl in Inukjuak, reported to be about five years old.
A man and a child were described as being in critical yet stable condition in a Montreal hospital following an early morning incident in the village of about 1,800 people on Nunavik’s Hudson Bay coast.
Early Saturday morning, police responded to a call from a resident who said she and her family were in danger from an intoxicated man, the KRG release said. It was the first time an official source said alcohol was a factor.
When police arrived, a person armed with a rifle confronted them and what KRG called “an exchange of gunfire” took place. The man described as a “gunman” and child, who was inside the home, were injured. They were treated at the scene and then medevaced to a hospital in Montreal where there remained, as of Tuesday.
Lucy Nowra, a cousin of the man who was injured, said she disputes the report her cousin was involved in a shootout with police because a witness who assisted with first aid said no weapons were found near him.
Quebec’s Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes, which examines cases when people die or are seriously injured during contact with police, began an investigation Saturday.
Five investigators arrived in Inukjuak on Sunday, bureau spokesperson Jérémie Comtois said in an email.
Nunavik Police Service interim Chief Jean-François Bernier flew to Inukjuak to meet with community leaders, KRG said.
Emudluk spoke with Epoo, who extended his support to the family involved and added the village is arranging help for anyone in the community who needs assistance dealing with the effects of the shooting.
“The KRG stands by local leadership and will provide whatever resources are requested,” the news release said.
FInally an article that points the finger where it belongs. @nunatsiaq news. Why do you continuously publish the comments of Lucy Nowra? Her third party/rumour based statements only sow division and mistrust of the police. I miss the days media outlets reported facts and not divisive muckraking garbage. Let’s wait for the investigation to be completed before casting blame.
I understand the importance of waiting for investigations. At the same time, families and communities are allowed to speak about their lived experiences and concerns. Sharing those perspectives isn’t “muckraking” it’s part of accountability and public dialogue. Facts and voices can exist at the same time. This isn’t abstract commentary for us! This is our family! Wanting transparency doesn’t equal division.
Labeling community voices as “rumours” is dismissive. Many people speak because official processes often take a long time and historically haven’t always addressed community concerns. Waiting for an investigation doesn’t mean silence
So when someone came to assist with first aid there was no gun? Do you think the police would not secure the weapon first before preforming first aid. I think everyone who comments should go on youtube and watch some use of force videos. A threat is neutralized and the scene is secured then first aid is done. Trying to cast blame on the police when they responded to a dangerous situation is irresponsible.
Kudos to the leadership in government in saying we need to stop these violent situation. If you don’t get involved in bad things then the police wont be involved
A daughter is in critical condition and may not live.
While people debate procedures and policy, a family is sitting with unbearable fear and grief.
This is not the moment for blame, assumptions, or lectures.
Compassion should come before commentary.
Asking questions is not an attack. It is a plea for humanity and truth. This is not a YouTube training video. It’s a real family, real trauma, real consequences.
Blaming the victim or her family is unacceptable.
Show respect. In Nunavik, we know too well how quickly blame is placed on our people instead of examining systems and responses.
Saying “if you don’t do bad things, police won’t be involved” ignores lived realities, intergenerational trauma, and systemic failures.
A daughter is fighting for her life.
The family deserves answers, not judgment.
Accountability is not anti-police. It is pro community.
You hit the nail on the head. Accountability is on all involved…
BRING BACK THE S.Q. !!!!!!!!!!!
Do you think any police service would have handled someone shooting at them differently?
This message is overdue.
This may be the first officer involved shooting supported by the new dispatch system. If NPS has the ability to record their radio traffic, there will plenty to substantiate the context of the call before and during the intervention. This should give Nunavimmiut additional confidence in the process.
This sort of call is the bread and butter of policing in Nunavik. Too often, it’s the mix of alcohol, overcrowding and the violence that results.
The overcrowding will take decades to address. Communities must address and reduce alcohol abuse and dependency. It’s the only solution that is immediately available, but it requires buy-in at the community-level. Until this message is internalized and reflected in community values and tolerance, these incidents will continue to occur.
Nunavik’s violent crime rate is on par with some of the most dangerous countries in the world. This is 100% a societal issue that needs fixing.