Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 21/01) - Inuvik residents have been paying homage to those who perished in last week's terrorist attacks in the United States.

As part of a national day of mourning, a three-minute moment of silence was observed at the IDC Building last Friday. About 60 people attended.

Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corp., thanked those who turned out.

"Most of us, I suppose, we sit and wonder why," Cournoyea said.

"The fundamental issue is that so much hatred can be living within this world, to be brought to such a tragic end for so many people."

Other ceremonies have been held in town to mark the terrorist victims. The night of the attacks, Sept. 11, a memorial service was held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension.

In an interview, Rev. Larry Robertson called the events an act of evil.

"It was shocking, it was horrendous to see such an act of evil so close to home," Robertson said.

"Just listening to the stories, the pain is coming through, and it's a horrendous thought that people would do something like that."

As well, a memorial service was held this past Tuesday evening at the Our Lady of Victory Church.

Many firefighters and police officers were killed in New York when the twin towers collapsed at the World Trade Centre. Inuvik fire Chief Al German is also director for the NWT Fire Chiefs Association.

German said his group has sent e-mails expressing support to the fire chiefs in New York. He said a memorial of some kind will likely be held at the national conference of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

German is taking part in that conference, in London, Ontario, Sept. 20-26.

"I'm sure it's going to be a sad one," German said. "We lost a lot of firefighters. It's going to put a damper on it."