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REMEMBERING SILATIK AND HELPING HER LOVED ONES

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I wish the circumstances we find ourselves in were different. I wish COVID did not exist. I wish the New Year - 2021 - meant that everything was magically better.  I wish we weren't getting so numb to the number of cases and deaths related to COVID.

It is times like this when those numbers become something more. My dear dear friend Silatik Qavvik from Saniqiluak, Nunavut passed away after losing her courageous battle with COVID-19 on January 2, 2021 in a Winnipeg hospital .  This beautiful soul was only 35 years old and was such a fun, kind, caring, and bright person.  Silatik was happily married to  Peter Qavvik and was a loving mother for their five beautiful children - Sarah (16), Johnassie (13), Andrew (11), Aimu (6), and had just given birth to their daughter Lisi on November 23rd, 2020.  Unfortunately, the day after Lisi's birth Silatik found out that she had tested positive for COVID.  At this time Silatik and Lisi were immediately separated as the new baby was also diagnosed with the virus. Thankfully Lisi has since recovered, but Silatik continued to deteriorate and was subsequently put on a ventilator on December 1st.  Silatik remained unresponsive for a month in the intensive care unit. The decision was made to turn off the ventilator on January 2, 2021 - it was at this time that she was pronounced deceased.  This is not how we are meant to say goodbye to our loved ones. 

It is hard to believe I met Silatik almost 20 years ago when I was part of a unique opportunity.  A very special teacher from my high school in Guelph, Ont. had set up an exchange program to Nunavut. There was a small group of students who were paired up with an individual from the Sanikiluaq community and we would then spend time living with each others family.  I was immersed into their culture and Silatik was like an honest warm ray of sunshine welcoming us all. Her giggle was contagious, she was always happy, and always up for playing games and teaching me things about their land. Ever since we met she has truly held such a special place in my heart, as well as my parents hearts  - as they got to know her when she lived with us.  Before Facebook was around we would keep in touch via writing letters, but that soon changed to messenger. We would continue to update each other on life events and just check in to see how each others family was doing.  Silatik always always always would be commenting on how much she loved her husband and her children. Needless to say when her aunt messaged me on January 2nd to tell me the news of Silatik's passing, it felt like a ton of bricks was dropped on my chest. 

This weight that I feel is absolutely nothing in comparison to what is being felt by Silatik's family. It is with this GoFundMe that I hope to raise money for Peter and his five amazing children. I know that money does not equate to healing, it does not bring Silatik back, and it does not make the pain of missing her any less; but my hope is that the money will help give Peter the means to provide a positive environment for his family, help to put food on the table, and clothes on their backs.  This absolutely devastating news they are dealing with does not need to be compounded by financial concerns.  Northern communities are very expensive and this money will help ease the burden - even if just a little. This is  the least that I can do in remembrance of a beautiful soul and for a family whose lives have been turned upside down. Please know that every single dollar can help. There is no donation too small.  

Thank you. Please feel free to share <3


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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $15 
    • 3 yrs
  • Kerry King
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $14 
    • 3 yrs
  • Victoria Caves
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Kimberly Clemens
    • $75 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer

Roselle Kleinstiver
Organizer
London, ON

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