CamBay man raising money to bring homeless daughter back to Nunavut

James Ekpakohak of Cambridge Bay holds up a picture of his daughter, Angela Anavilok, who he says is stranded and homeless in Winnipeg. (PHOTO BY KELCEY WRIGHT)

Special to Nunatsiaq News

CAMBRIDGE BAY — James Ekpakohak wants to see his daughter again.

About 10 years ago, Ekpakohak’s daughter, Angela Anavilok, left Cambridge Bay to live at a youth home in Lindsay, Ont.

However, two years ago, when she turned 18, she was out on her own in a province she didn’t know.

“I’ve completely lost my appetite for so many days and I’ve had gallons of tears come out from my eyes,” Ekpakohak said after taking a deep breath.

Anavilok’s older sister paid her fare to Winnipeg, where she was expected to begin her journey back to Cambridge Bay to be reunited with her parents, grandparents and siblings.

But in Winnipeg, Anavilok has lost everything.

“She’s living alone on the streets,” said her father, Ekpakohak. “I’ve contacted a shelter [in Winnipeg] and have asked them to try and locate her to help her out.”

That’s not all Ekpakohak is trying to do for his 20-year-old daughter, who has no phone and limited internet access.

On Oct. 24, he started an account at the co-operative store called “Angela’s Ticket Home,” hoping that the people of Cambridge Bay will help raise money to bring Anavilok home.

“We need approximately $1,000,” Ekpakohak said. “We already have over $400.”

Ekpakohak has approached local businesses and organizations, and has created posters and radio advertisements to encourage donations from any Cambridge Bay residents.

“It would be great for the community to come together and help to get her home. Having her here will be so much safer for her,” he said.

Ekpakohak says he won’t stop until his daughter is finally home.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “Bless everyone who donates and helps with our situation.”