Sister still seeks information about Benjamin Palluq

Benjamin Palluq of Iqaluit went missing in March 2014 and has not been seen since. His sister is still seeking information about what might have happened to him. (FILE PHOTO)

Benjamin Palluq is my brother. He was born in Iqaluit and came to our family in Igloolik at the age of six.

He is only six months older than I. I have just returned from living in Ottawa for a year and eight months.

It was not long after I left for Ottawa he was reported missing, in March 2014.

I have found my return to Iqaluit very difficult as I still expect to see him around the city.

We grew up very close in age, along with our late brother Phanuillie Palluq, just two years younger than us. We enjoyed sharing laughs and playing outside.

I left for Iqaluit at the age of 14 to attend high school. At the age of 17, Ben nearly lost his life when he took a snowmobile from Igloolik to try to go to Hall Beach.

My dad, uncle and my dad’s friend went searching for him. They found him nearly frozen to death and he was medevaced to Iqaluit. That is how he got to have his distinctive chin and how he lost his toes from severe frostbites. He has remained in Iqaluit ever since.

Since my return I have tried to contact the police to go over the missing person’s file and report, but I have yet to get a call back.

With the holidays upon us I feel lost and at times I do not even know how to feel.

Please keep him in mind. I know he could not have just disappeared! He has got to be somewhere! He cannot just be forgotten. He is a person, loving and helpful.

Jeela Palluq-Cloutier
Iqaluit

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