Iqaluit residents honour Inusiq Akavak

MICHAELA RODRIGUE

IQALUIT — Iqaluit residents gathered last week to remember a woman who’s sometimes difficult life was cut short by an act of violence.

Inusiq Sarah Akavak was honoured at a dinner and silent auction held at Iqaluit’s Toonoonik Hotel last week. The dinner and auction raised money for the Qimaavik women’s shelter, which Akavak sometimes turned to for help.

Laughter, a feeling of goodwill, and tears marked the evening, as friends and family described a gracious woman who loved life and treated everyone she met equally.

“She worked hard to make a living, she loved life and people miss her laughter, kindness ,and outgoing personality,” said Elisapee Ikkidluak, one of Akavak’s surviving relatives, in an address to those assembled.

Ikkidluak and seven other family members from Kimmirut and Iqaluit attended the dinner.

“People of all ages and races were the same to her. She treated all of them equally,” Ikkidluak said. “Inusiq had friends, family, nieces, nephew and she loved everyone of us. Inusiq you would be proud to see this dinner in honour of your memory. You are here with us today and you will be remembered for many years to come.”

Akavak was 39 when she died. She is survived by a five-year-old daughter, Mily, her mother Leah, brothers Mosesie, Simi, Billy, J.J. and Kamikee, and two sisters, Itee and Mary.

Afterwards, Ikkidluak said she hoped the evening would encourage people to help one another.

“This is a big step to each people to help each other,” she said.

“I hope it opens doors for the people, for the people who need help,” said Akavak’s brother, Mosesie Kipanik.

Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik attended the function and later stood in the legislature to remind Nunavummiut to help one another.

“She always had a smile on her face, as she would sell her carvings to you. And sometimes she sold brooches as well. She was a happy person…

“I want to express my gratitude for those who arranged the remembrance dinner. Let us try and remember how we can help other people more,” Okalik said in the assembly.

Akavak was found dead in her apartment on Feb. 10. An autopsy later revealed that her death was consistent with strangulation.

Her memorial raised about $4,400 for Qimaavik, but Trish Hughes-Wieczorek, the executive director of the Aggvik Society, said the amount of money is incidental.

“To call attention to the issue is more important,” Hughes-Wieczorek said, urging everyone who knows of someone who’s being harmed to get help for them.

Charlotte DeWolff helped organize the evening on behalf of the Toonoonik Hotel, where Akavak worked before her death. DeWolff remembers a gracious woman who was very well-mannered and a friend to all.

“I’ve been able to see the caring, the warmth of this community and it’s something they should hold onto,” DeWolff said “What happened to Inusiq was tragic, but I think this community will do something about it.”

Akavak’s common-law husband, Kootoo Korgak, has been charged with first degree murder. The case has yet to be dealt with by the courts.