Search continues for Igloolik teen missing since Saturday

Canadian Rangers in Igloolik are searching for a teen who has been missing since Saturday.

Shawn Kukkik was last seen walking behind the high school and up the hill toward the hamlet’s inuksuk, George Qaunaq, chief administrative officer for the hamlet, said Monday.

Kukkik was expected home on Saturday evening, he said.

“The search is still going on by [search and rescue] volunteers. We haven’t seen him since Saturday around 4 to 5 p.m,” David Quassa, Kukkik’s father, said in a text message to Nunatsiaq News on Monday.

“He just turned 19 this month, he plays Fortnite and online games with his friends,” he said, describing his son.

In a photo posted on social media, Kukkik is shown holding an award.

“[That’s] him receiving his highest math awards late last year,” Quassa said.

On Monday, Aggu MLA Joanna Quassa recognized the Rangers in the legislature for their efforts in the search for Kukkik.

Quassa’s riding includes Igloolik, and she is also Quassa’s sister-in-law and Kukkik’s aunt.

The Canadian Rangers have been searching since 9 a.m. Monday, Quanaq said.

“They have already searched all of the cabins around the island” and other common locations.

“If that isn’t successful by nightfall, with the help of firefighters they will be going door-to-door,” he said.

Nunatisaq News contacted the RCMP for comment on the search, but did not receive a response Monday afternoon.