Missing man in Kuujjuaq may have been ‘victim of a criminal act,’ police say
Quebec provincial police take over investigation into disappearance of Sanaak Unatweenuk, 31, last seen June 24
The investigation into the whereabouts of Sanaak Unatweenuk, 31, in Kuujjuaq is now being treated as “criminal matter” and provincial police are investigating. (Photos courtesy of Nunavik Police Service)
After 17 days of searching by Nunavik police officers, Canadian Rangers and volunteers, the search for Sanaak Unatweenuk, a missing man in Kuujjuaq, has been turned over to Quebec’s provincial police as a “criminal matter.”
“Based on new developments within the investigation, the case is now being treated as a criminal matter,” Nunavik Police Service said in a news release Tuesday regarding the 31-year-old Unatweenuk, who was last seen on the night of June 20 as he was leaving the Kuujjuaq Inn.
In an email to Nunatsiaq News on Tuesday, deputy Chief Shaun Longstreet declined to comment further on the new development because the Sûreté du Québec has taken over the investigation
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.
Nunavik police began their investigation June 24 after receiving a report that Unatweenuk had not shown up at work.
The investigation so far has revealed the “missing person may have been the victim of a criminal act,” said Nancy Fournier, spokesperson for Sûreté du Québec, in an email Tuesday.
Fournier did not specify if the case is being treated as a possible homicide and offered no further comment.
Does the search continue or do we stop?
In this matter, Silence is not golden. Speak up for yourselves Kuujjuaq. Put more value on living a good, better life, on community wellness. Put down your device for a few hours each day!
Kuujjuaq needs intervention. Not so much a putting down devices, but learning about compassion, care and love. Stop gambling too would be good. And stop favourites at games where people are so uncaring to non family member participation. Kuujjuaq is dysfunctional. Kids will continue to show aggressive behaviours for many years . Teach the 30 40 year old to be parents. Teach the elders what live your neighborhood really means. Stop prejudice b towards non Inuit.
Not just Kuujuaq. Every community in Nunavut and NWT should follow your words.
Are there any news on this case? I’m not even Canadian, but I follow the news of the Inuit Nunangat because I love the culture.
How is the investigation coming along? Did law enforcement find any suspects?
I am worried about this man. What a sad story.