By james art The sister of an Iqaluit girl whose death has gone unsolved for nearly four decades said she hopes an arrest in the case will give others hope.
Elisapee Sheutiapik, whose 15-year-old sister Mary Ann Birmingham died in 1986, said she and her family are grateful for the support they’ve received since an arrest was made in Birmingham’s death.
Last month, Jopey Atsiqtaq was charged with second-degree murder. Until then, the case had been going on for 38 years.
Atsiqtaq appeared in court in Iqaluit on Tuesday and his appearance was waived. The court case was due to be heard again on January 7, but was adjourned to February 25 because Atsiqtaq’s lawyer was unavailable.
Sheutiapik’s family and friends were also in the courtroom Tuesday. She said while the support has been incredible, she knows there are other families in Nunavut going through what she went through.
“There are others that will be triggered, I know that,” she said.
Sheutiapik, a former MLA and mayor of Iqaluit, said he hopes to bring people together for the next court appearance to show support for one another. She hopes to organize a walk from prison to court.
“We’ve waited so long. Yes, we will be triggered, but we can resist united,” she said.
“To see us there walking, united, remembering.” Not to lose hope – I think that’s very important.”
Sheutiapik said she and her family have received support from people across the territory.
“We’re making calls. It’s incredible.”
Even with the support, Sheutiapik said she and her family are preparing for what she hopes won’t be a long trial.
She said she’s also glad to see families supporting each other now going through the courts.
“None of this existed back then. As hard as it is, some positive things are happening.”
Sheutiapik said she hopes other people “suffering in silence” also speak up about their own situations.
“I think about every single one of them,” she said. “Let’s not lose hope. Thirty-eight years later, here we are.”