Iqaluit's new 'Angel Street' remembers domestic violence victims

The mayor of Iqaluit said she hopes other cities will be inspired by a street it just named "Angel Street," a naming that pays tribute to victims of violence.

"We thought it'd be appropriate to name a street that's going towards our women's shelter in memory of those that have either died or have been abused," Iqaluit Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik said in an interview.

Earlier this week, Iqaluit city council voted to bestow thename tothe gravel road that runs by the Qimaavik women's shelter in Apex, on the outskirts of the Nunavut capital.

Sheutiapik said she will send a letter calling on other Canadian capital cities to do the same. The name "Angel Street" was chosen from the lyrics of the song Irene by Nunavut alternative rock singer Lucie Idlout.

Qimaavik executive director Napatchie McRae said having the centre on Angel Street will help women and children feel better about living at the shelter,and remind people of victims of violence.

"This is almost like saying that we're the angels for our women and children that have to come through this building because of the family violence," McRae said.

"We will not forget them."

The idea of naming a street to commemorate victims of violencewas suggested to Iqaluit city council by provincial and territorial ministers responsible for the status of women, when they met in the city last month.