Iqaluit (Dec 13/04) - About 100 women, men and children gathered at the Anglican Parish Hall in Iqaluit Monday, to remember the 14 women slain in the Montreal Massacre at L'Ecole Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989.

It was also a time to think about all the victims of violence in this community and territory.

From the quiet sobs around the room, it was obvious many people have had personal experience with violence.

According to the Canadian bureau of statistics, Nunavut had the highest violent crime rate per capita in Canada in 2001.

Elisapee Sheutiapik, the mayor of Iqaluit, tried not to cry when she talked about family members, including her sister, who have died at the hands of violence, during a speech to the group gathered for the ceremony.

Sheutiapik said money was raised during the Baffin mayors conference last month to keep the "Stop the Violence" sticker campaign going.

As Rhoda Ittuutaq Ungalaq lit the qulliq, people bowed their heads.

Ed Picco, filling in for Premier Paul Okalik, talked about the overcrowded women's shelter in Iqaluit, the shocking murders in Iqaluit over the last 12 months and the need for change.

All the guest speakers called for an end to violence.

Christine Agligoetok from Cambridge Bay emceed the occasion.

Rannva Erlingsdottir Simonsen and Aaju Peter provided some musical entertainment.

The crowd sang "Amazing Grace" in Inuktitut and English, and The Iqaluit Music Choir also performed.

Anna Sanguya and Dawn Katsak, Nunavut Arctic College student council members, read the names of the 14 women.