Kimmirut searchers find signs of snow shelter

Hopes were raised in Kimmirut Tuesday after searchers for a missing hunter found the remains of a snow shelter and a butchered caribou carcass.

But RCMP Const. Angelique Dignard said there's still no clear sign of Kimmirut Mayor Jamesie Kootoo and no way to know if the animal was his.

"It appeared to be some blocks of snow but they haven’t been able to confirm if it was him, or if it has anything to do in regards to the hunter."

RCMP say the air search will continue until at least Thursday.

Kootoo, 67, left the community Nov. 26 to hunt for caribou and was expected to return the same day.

Ground search crews have been combing the area around Qurvik Lake since last week. A flickering light in the area was spotted by air searchers last week.

Dignard said the air search has been hampered by bad weather. Ground search crews have also been struggling with weather and rough trails. 

The ground search is costing a lot of money, for things such as gasoline and snowmobile maintenance. Many people in Kimmirut and Iqaluit have been raising money to contribute to the search.

Neevee Natsiapik of Iqaluit raised almost $500 this week, through a bake sale.

"I just wanted to help in the time of need and this was my little way of hoping for a good outcome."

Natsiapik said local businesses donated most of the ingredients she used.