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KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR
The search for Kimmirut mayor Jamesie Kootoo, 67, who failed to return from a hunting trip northwest of the hamlet Nov. 26, has been scaled back to a community search after almost four weeks, according to a Dec. 22 from the RCMP.

The search for Kimmirut mayor Jamesie Kootoo, 67, has been scaled back to a community search after almost four weeks. - NNSL file photo

The search, which involved more than 40 searchers from Kimmirut, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung, began Nov. 27 and was scaled back Dec. 21 after numerous ground and air search attempts failed.

Fellow caribou hunters last saw Kootoo Nov. 26, they told searchers, saying he had not found any caribou so continued on his snowmobile alone.

Weather frequently hampered attempts to find the mayor. Air searchers believed they spotted a light that could have been from his machine or a flashlight Nov. 30, and ground searchers also found evidence of a shelter and food remains Dec. 2, but nothing was conclusively tied to Kootoo.

Kootoo, a Canadian Ranger sergeant with years of experience on the land, became mayor in late 2008, months after he was the subject of another search-and-rescue. Leading a team of Rangers during a dog sled race, Kootoo went ahead of the group and lost control of his snowmobile after cresting a ridge, crashing the sled and breaking his pelvis. He was found three days later huddling under snow.

That incident affected his mobility and strength, RCMP Sgt. Jimmy Akavak said in December. Economic development officer Qapik Ikkidluak noted the mayor also had a heart condition.

The community-based search will continue, the RCMP release said. Concerned members of the public are encouraged to continue to donate cash, fuel cards, and snow machine parts to support the local search effort.

No one from the RCMP or the hamlet could be reached for comment.

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