The search for Kadin Savikataaq

The disappearance of Kadin Savikataaq, a 21-year-old pilot from Arviat, Nunavut, remains a mystery more than a year after her truck was found submerged in Hudson Bay. Her family believes foul play was involved and continues to seek answers, despite an RCMP investigation that concluded the most likely cause of death was drowning.

The Disappearance

Kadin Savikataaq went missing in August 2024 after leaving her home in Arviat, a fly-in community of approximately 3,200 people, for the night. Her truck was later discovered in the water at a location known as The Point, but Kadin was never found.

A Unique Family Structure

Kadin had two sets of parents: Siuqpaat and Dudley Copland, and Joe Savikataaq Jr. and Lillian Savikataaq, who is Siuqpaat’s sister. Kadin became close to her aunt and uncle at a young age and was later legally adopted by them, though she later changed her last name to Savikataaq at age 19.

Last Known Movements

On the night of August 19, 2024, Kadin told her mother she was not sleeping at home and was going to stay with a friend. She left in her mother’s white truck at 10:15 p.m. The friend later informed Copland that Kadin had called asking for a ride home, stating she had been drinking and was with at least two other men.

The Discovery

Copland and the friend began searching for Kadin and were alerted to ATV lights near The Point. They discovered the truck submerged in the water. Copland then encountered one of the men Kadin had reportedly been with, but he reportedly offered no information.

The Search Effort

Joe Savikataaq Jr., Kadin’s adoptive father and the mayor of Arviat at the time, joined the search, which involved the entire community, utilizing ATVs, trucks, boats, and an airplane. Despite extensive efforts, no evidence of Kadin was found.

RCMP Investigation and Findings

The Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit investigated the case and determined the most likely cause of Kadin’s disappearance was drowning following a single-vehicle collision. However, without her remains, the RCMP stated a definitive conclusion could not be reached.

Family Doubts and Concerns

Kadin’s family disputes the RCMP’s findings. Joe Savikataaq Jr. believes Kadin’s body would have been found if she had simply driven into the water. He suspects foul play and believes someone is withholding information. Copland also believes her daughter was murdered.

Ongoing Pursuit of Answers

In June 2025, RCMP deployed a scent detection dog, but the search was unsuccessful. The family is now planning another search this summer with the help of three private scent detection dogs. Copland has filed a complaint with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission regarding the RCMP’s investigation, citing concerns about the limited time spent on the ground and the lack of follow-up on information about other individuals who were with Kadin the night she disappeared. The Calgary Police Service completed a review of the case in June 2025, but Copland has yet to receive the findings.

Justice for Kadin

Friends and family continue to advocate for justice for Kadin, organizing rallies and maintaining a visible presence in Arviat. The family is offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to a resolution in the case. Copland remains determined to find her daughter and bring closure to her family.