Child sex-abuse arrests shock Inukjuak

A former federal civil servant living in the Nunavik community of Inukjuak sexually abused children between the ages of eight and 10 years old, Quebec provincial police allege.

Barry Gunn, 67, is a longtime resident of the North and a former employee of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Developement, who has been working for Nunavik’s cultural institute since 1981.

He was was charged with four counts of sexual assault on young girls between the ages of eight and ten years old, following investigations that police say could result in as many as 20 more charges being laid.

The Sureté du Québec have also arrested 24-year- old Larry Aculiak, also of Inukjuak, in connection with the sexual assault of a 4-year old.

“This is the most serious situation we have had since Puvirnituq,” Lt. Gérald Fortier of the Kativik Regional Police in Kuujjuaraapik said. “The inquest is ongoing.”

Fortier said revelations of abuse first surfaced in March, leading to the arrest of Markoosie Amagoalik, charged with molesting a four-year-old child.

More reports were brought to the attention of Social Services and the Sureté du Quebec who, in conjunction with the Kativik Regional Police, launched a criminal investigation.

Many more children in this community have since come forward with tales of sexual abuse, according to social worker Lucy Napartuk.

Napartuk, who worked extensively with sexual abuse victims in Puvirnituq, has been asked to help social workers in Inukjuak deal with the latest crisis.

In 1993, four adult men from Puvirnituq were arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse against dozens of children.

“What is positive in this situation,” said Fortier, “is that Social Services is working closely with the police.”