Fundraiser helps family of Kuujjuaq man last seen 17 days ago
Sanaak Unatweenuk, 31, reported missing June 24
Sanaak Unatweenuk, 31, was last seen June 20 in Kuujjuaq. A search was started for him four days later. (Photos courtesy of Nunavik Police Service)
Some Kuujjuaq residents have started a fundraiser to help the family of Sanaak Unatweenuk, who was reported missing last month.
Many residents also contributed to a 50/50 fundraising draw started Friday by Kuujjuaq resident Eileen Emudluk.
“I’ve been selling 100 spots and most of the spots have been paid, so when all the spots are sold I will do the draw, hopefully this evening,” she said Monday in a Facebook message, adding she hopes Unatweenuk’s family will receive $1,000 through the fundraiser.
“I’m not sure how exactly they will use the money, but I know it will help the family,” Emudluk said.
Unatweenuk, 31, was last seen on the night of June 20 leaving the Kuujjuaq Inn, Nunavik Police Service deputy Chief Shaun Longstreet said in an email June 30.
Police began their investigation June 24 after receiving a report that Unatweenuk had not shown up at work.
“There is nothing new on the investigation side, investigation still ongoing. Same thing for the search,” Nunavik Police Service Capt. Patrice Abel said in an email Friday.
Nunavik police didn’t respond as of Monday afternoon to a request for updated information.
Unatweenuk is described as an Inuk man, approximately five-foot-six or five-foot-seven and weighing about 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black cap and black jacket with the words “Solidarity Co-op” on it.
The search, including both ground and marine operations, was conducted by Kuujjuaq’s search and rescue team and the Canadian Rangers. Local residents also stepped up to help with the search, Longstreet said.
Sanaak is not from Kuujjuaq and did not live in Kuujjuaq. He is from George River and was in Kuujjuaq on a short term visit for a construction course. He was staying at the Kuujjuaq Inn.
We hope he is found.
I hear the Auberge’s bar and lounge where Sanaak was last seen is a madhouse. The ownership could be doing a lot better to provide a more secure environment.