Aklavik, Inuvik hold candlelight vigils for May Elanik, Inuvialuit woman

People in Aklavik and Inuvik lit candles Tuesday night for May Elanik, a mother of seven who was found injured and unconscious on a snowy trail in Aklavik, N.W.T., on Nov. 11. She died days later in an Edmonton hospital.

Police are investigating the death as a homicide. So far there have been no charges laid in the community of about 600 people.

"We are very hurt by this, because she is gone passed and never awoken," said Doris Day, Elanik's cousin, who described her as a sidekick and best friend.

"And we're so hurt because we don't know who did this to her."

"She was always loving, caring, happy, smiling," said Josh Omilgoituk, Elanik's brother.

Omilgoituk also said Inuvik and surrounding communities are no stranger to grief of this kind.

"We do see a lot of violence against women. We see a lot go unsolved. You're hearing about aboriginal women who are missing and not found yet," he said.

Both vigils were held at 7 p.m. under a full moon.

In Inuvik, two police officers also joined in the procession, holding candles.

'Make sure you're connected'

Jeffery Amos has worked as a resolution health support worker and counsellor in Inuvialuit communities in the N.W.T.'s Beaufort Delta.

He provided this advice to those mourning. "Grief is just coming together with family, sharing, talking, not being afraid of expressing feelings and being supportive of family."

He added he was "just asking people not to be alone. Just make sure you're connected to family, make sure you're connected to the community. Old and young, I say that for everybody. Rely on each other's strength."

Day said the vigil was not only about her cousin, but about all violence against women.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Aklavik RCMP detachment at 867-978-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.