On May 1st 2020 Joseph (Joe) Illupalik Palluq, went kayaking on Lake Clear, near his home in Eastern Ontario. The following day his kayak was found overturned. After days of exaustive searching, his body was recovered today, May 5th.

His loss brings heartbreak to many, and his local community of Bonnechere Valley has started this campaign to help raise funds to pay for funeral expenses and more.

Joe, a proud Inuk, was raised in Igloolik, Nunavut, arriving 'down South' in 1998. He began carving  from ivory and stone at the age of nine, following the tradition passed onto him by his Grandfathers, Autut Paliak and Abel Inuksuk. His artwork, featuring mostly traditional Inuit motifs carved in various mediums, has been praised and collected internationally.

Beloved by many for his gentle ways and ready smile and sense of humour, but none more than his long-time partner Roberta. He also leaves behind grown children and step-children, siblings and an extended family throughout Nunavut and in Ottawa.

Funds will be transfered to Roberta to be used as needed. Some expenses are immediate while additional funds may be used for a future memorial (when we can gather again) or to help in other ways.