Family calls lack of mental health care a ‘scourge’ after Resolute Bay murder

The family of a Resolute Bay woman allegedly murdered by her son remembered her this month as a “gentle one,” a master of coil bannock, a music holder, an accordion lover and one “full of love.”

Babah Kalluk, 44, was charged Nov. 23 with first-degree murder, assault and indignity to human remains, according to court documents.

Zipporah Kalluk is identified in the documents as the victim.

RCMP announced the charges Nov. 25 in a news release, which said police arrested Babah Kalluk on Nov. 22 after they were called to a home to check on someone’s well-being.

Zipporah Kalluk’s family raised money online after her death to bring extended family to her funeral. The GoFundMe page, dated Nov. 29, was organized by Sandra Kunuk Inutiq, on behalf of Celine Kalluk.

“Our family is devastated to share that she did not pass peacefully, but violently,” the fundraiser’s description said.

“Violently by the hands of her own son.”

It goes on to call a lack of mental health care a “scourge” on Nunavut communities and that Zipporah Kalluk’s son needed this help.

The fundraiser, which intended to raise money so family could travel to Resolute Bay for the funeral, has received close to $43,000 as of Thursday.

Any additional funds are to be donated to an unspecified mental health cause.

No members of the Kalluk family offered comment on Zipporah Kalluk, her funeral, or the fundraiser, when asked by Nunatsiaq News.

Babah Kalluk was flown to Iqaluit and remains in custody. His next court date is set for Jan. 7, 2025.