Joe Savikataaq Jr. says neither he nor anyone else in the family is giving up on bringing his daughter, Kadin Savikataaq, home again.
Kadin went missing almost a year ago on Aug. 20, 2024, after her truck was found submerged at the Point in Arviat.
Joe said Kadin, who would have been turning 22 this Sept. 17, is the first thing on his mind when he opens his eyes in the morning and the last thing on his mind when he closes them for the night.
He said hope keeps him going in his belief that one day his daughter will be found.
"We will all get peace and closure when we find my Kadin, but winter is coming fast again upon us," said Savikataaq. "There's one thing for certain, she won't come home alive. That's for sure. But one thing I'm still hoping for is that we can put closure on this and find her body."
Savikataaq said finding Kadin's body would mean the world to him and his family.
"I would give anything for that," said Joe, trying to fight back the tears. "Still, the more attention she gets, the better, which is why I'm doing this."
One way of looking at it, he said, could also be that finding Kadin's body would give the family one last chance to tell her how much they all loved her, but, he quickly added, Kadin already knew that she was very much loved.
"Kadin knew she was really loved by everyone; not only by our family, but everyone in the community.
"I wish she could see her little sister (June) right now. My panik was just at a hockey showcase down in Boston and when she scored I know she was thinking of her big sister.
"It doesn't seem right when a child leaves before their parents do."
Savikataaq said people are still trying to help bring Kadin home.
He said the recently brought in a sniffer dog to help look, but that didn't lead to the outcome they desired.
"I know spiritually where she is. I know she was saved and that gives me comfort.
"To everyone out there, no matter what life throws at you, never give up and never lose hope."
