Residents in Puvirnituq, Que., grapple with a double tragedy

WARNING: This story contains distressing details

Nunavimmiut are reeling from a double tragedy in the village of Puvirnituq, which police say is being investigated as a murder and suicide.

Patrice Abel, the Nunavik Police Service’s (NPS) captain of investigations, said a 54-year-old woman and her 57-year-old husband were found dead on Jan. 5 inside a home. 

Abel said the couple’s daughter and son told police they went to their parents’ home that afternoon because they hadn’t heard from them in several days. That’s when they discovered their mother dead and their father with a rifle in hand.

“The son tried to negotiate with him and he [was] able to just get the rifle out of his hand,” Abel said.

Afterwards, he said the daughter and son went to the neighbours to call the police and stayed there until officers arrived. 

When police got to the scene, Abel said they found the man also dead with a different firearm next to him. Police are not releasing the family's name.

Puvirnituq mayor Lucy Qalingo says the deaths have left the community shaken. 

“We are going through a very hard time. It's been overwhelming, but through support [of] each other, we will get through this,” she said. 

Qalingo says residents are rallying behind the family, and there are plans for elders from healing groups in other communities to provide support in Puvirnituq. 

She also urges people to continue helping each other lead healthier lives. 

“I know we are going through so much, especially through generational trauma, but we have to lean forward to healthier lifestyles and healing,” she said. 

With the case being treated as a homicide, the provincial police service, the Sûreté du Québec, are now tasked with the investigation.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• In Nunavut and Nunavik, reach the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line 24/7 at 1-800-265-3333 or 867-979-3333.
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 24/7 by phone or text 24/7, toll free by dialing or texting 9-8-8. 
• Hope For Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 (phone, available in Inuktitut, Cree and Ojibway upon request).
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling onthe website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.