Missing Nunavut mayor's body found

A search crewfrom Kimmirut, Nunavut, has found the body of Jamesie Kootoo, the hamlets missing mayor.

On Nov. 26, Kootoo went out hunting for the day and never returned.

The community launched an exhaustive search but was often hampered by severe weather. Volunteers from Kimmirut and Iqaluit took part in the ground search, along with the RCMP and the Iqaluit Civil Air Search and Rescue Association.

After several weeks, the searchers had to delay their efforts until this spring.

The Kimmirut Search and Rescue committee chartered a helicopter Saturday to continue the search for Kootoo, and two volunteers from the community were on board.

They found Kootoo's body late Saturday morning near a large lake about 50 kilometres north of the community.

Maliktoo Lyta, who is with the Kimmirut search committee, told CBC News that the body has been returned to Kimmirut.

Plans are being made for a funeral early next week.