Karen Lander
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 06/98) - Nunavut's deputy minister of culture, elders and youth, Peter Erneck, has set up a disaster fund for the families of the victims in the tragic avalanche in Kaniqsualujjuaq, Quebec.

The New Year's disaster killing nine people, has left residents of Kangiqsualujjuaq badly shaken.

During the New Year's Eve celebration, people residing in one of the most northerly communities of Quebec, struggled to save friends and family members after a school gymnasium was crushed by an avalanche. Among the nine people killed, were five children under the age of eight, including a baby in her mother's back, in a traditional parka.

Another woman who was trapped in the snow and debris wasn't able to save her child after she came crashing through the gym wall.

With winds up to 100 km/h and a temperature of -20 the isolated community delayed air transportation until later the next morning.

Then army reserve and provincial police rescue teams, along with nurses, doctors, social workers and search dogs arrived in Kangiqsualujjuaq.

"We want to help the people out at this time of need," Ernerk said about the fund he's helped set up.

Donations can be made at any Royal Bank, including the branches in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit as well as Yellowknife.

"We're also encouraging other communities to do the same," says Ernerk, adding, that any donation would be greatly appreciated.

"Once donations are made, they'll be sent to the municipality of Kaniqsualujjuaq."