TI: Community Gather Together in Memorial for Missing Inuit Woman in Ottawa

Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) and the Papatsie family will be hosting a gathering to remember and honour Mary Papatsle, who has been missing since May of 2017. The gathering will take place on July 20, 2019, at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre frorn 2pm-7pm.

39 year old Mary Papatsle, originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut lived In Ottawa for over 15 years and went missing in .Y 2017.

The Papatsie family has received no answers Into Mary’s missing person’s investigation. Mary’s sister, Meeka Papatsie shares, “One of the most difficult things about coming together to remember Mary is that we still do not know what happened to her. Having this gathering will allow us to grieve together, remember and honour my sister but, it is hard to have closure if we have no answers.,Brother Tommy Papatsie added, ,ary was an easy person to love and a caring individual. Her laughter was contagious and we all miss her so much.”

TI and the Papatsle family are thankful for the financial support from the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This will allow family and community members to come together to honour, heal and grieve for Mary. The funding has also allowed family members from Nunavut and other areas of Canada to participate in the gathering.

The Papatsie family would also like to acknowledge the generous support from Donna and Ricky Kilabuk and the entire community of Pangnirtung for their fundraising efforts, along with all the family and friends that contributed to the family’s Facebook fundraiser. Also, to TI’s Alluriarniq Department for submitting a proposal on the family’s behalf and helping with coordination of the gathering. The family also recognizes First Air, who generously provided a discount on flights.

The gathering Is open to all community members that want to show the family support and remember Mary. It will include an Anglican service, followed by a feast with country food, refreshments, games and music.

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