Cambridge works to banish repeat offenders

Leaders of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association want more control over convicted criminals coming in and out of their communities, and they’re taking their campaign to the federal government.

Bob Aknavigak, a KIA representative from Cambridge Bay, said he wants Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell to help them prevent repeat offenders from returning to their communities.

“We only feel that it’s fair that our people, our women, and our children are safe,” Aknavigak said.

The campaign stems from Cambridge Bay council’s recent debate about kicking out Desmond Kaosoni, 22, who was recently charged with sexual assault with a weapon and other charges.

The debate about banishing repeat offenders also came up in Cambridge Bay in 2002, when residents were lobbying to ban David Nakashook from the community.

Aknavigak brought the community’s concern to Premier Paul Okalik during the Nunavut Tunngavik annual general meeting earlier this month, but Okalik said there was nothing his government could do because it fell under federal jurisdiction.