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IGLULIK
The sister of a man police fatally shot last month said he was unarmed and suffered from mental health issues.

The RCMP had said an officer checking on the well-being of an adult male, at a home in the evening of March 20, was met by a man wielding a weapon and uttering threats. Police had also said they shot the man, who succumbed to his injuries some time later.

Family has identified the man as 29-year-old Felix Taqqaugaq, who leaves behind three school-aged children, a girlfriend and other family members and friends in mourning.

Louisa Taqqaugaq, the older sister of Felix, said her brother was talking about various things on the radio on March 20 at around 5:30 p.m when she told the hamlet office and radio station to get him off the air.

Louisa explained her brother has been schizophrenic since 1998 and has tried committing suicide. She added a family member called the RCMP at 6 p.m. She added the family member told police Felix had a gun.

"He had no gun at his place," said Louisa.

The RCMP had said the officer involved suffered minor injuries. Louisa said she only saw one finger cut. Felix received medical attention but died some time after.

"He was shot three times and he had no gun."

Felix was born in Iqaluit and moved with his family to an outpost camp outside Iglulik when he was two years old, said Louisa. The family moved to Iglulik in 1997. Louisa added Felix never finished high school but carved since he was a teenager. Louisa said she will miss "everything" about him.

"He always a good person," she said. "He tries to help his children whenever he can."

She said the family is considering legal action and is upset because another family member is involved.

Louisa said the RCMP should have called family in to help the situation because police already knew Felix was schizophrenic.

The family also wants a meeting with the RCMP member involved, she added, but was told by investigators it would take time for something like that to happen.

The Ottawa Police and the NWT RCMP are investigating the incident. An independent investigation is required whenever a serious injury or death of an individual involves an RCMP officer.

The Ottawa Police refused to comment on Louisa's assertions, as the investigation is ongoing.

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