Whitehorse RCMP have released the names of the two women found dead in the McIntrye subdivision last week.

Late Friday night, Whitehorse RCMP confirmed the identities of the women as Wendy Margaret Carlick, 51, and Sarah MacIntosh, 53.

Both deaths are being investigated as homicides.

Insp. Archie Thompson, the officer in charge of the Whitehorse RCMP detachment, said in a news release police received a call last Wednesday morning to the residence at 19 Murphy Rd. in the McIntyre subdivision where Carlick and MacIntosh were found.

Both women were Whitehorse residents.

MacIntosh was a member of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

Carlick was the mother of Angel Carlick, a 19-year-old Whitehorse woman who was found dead almost 10 years ago.

Angel was reported missing in late May 2007, prompting a search by friends, family and the RCMP.

Her body was found six months later in a forested area near the Pilot Mountain subdivision north of Whitehorse. Her death remains unsolved.

Wendy was an advocate for the cause of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and was pleased when the government announced that they would hold a National Inquiry on the issue.

“It’s been a real shock, and it’s very devastating for the community,” Mayor Dan Curtis said of the deaths in an interview with the Star this morning.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends, family, co-workers and people who loved those who were killed.”

Community members have set up a tribute to Wendy in Shipyards Park with ribbons, flowers and a sign that reads “For Wendy who we loved” adorning a sculpture by Second Avenue.

A sacred fire was also lit for 48 hours starting last Wednesday afternoon at the baseball diamond in the McIntyre subdivision for community members to gather.

As well, the government of Kwanlin Dün has supports available in the community for family members and citizens including outreach counsellors from the Departments of Health and Justice. Anyone in need is encouraged to call 336-0854.

The mayor noted that the First Nation has set a great example on how to support community members who are mourning and how to lift each other up.

“This is a difficult time for grieving family members and the community,” Gina Nagano, Kwanlin Dün’s acting director of Justice, said in a press release.

“All residents are encouraged to reach out for the support they may need.”

The Yukon RCMP Major Crimes Unit and the Forensic Identification Section are continuing their investigation.

RCMP also stated last week that the April 6 death in Riverdale of Whitehorse resident Greg Dawson, 45, is being treated as suspicious after the results of an autopsy could not rule out foul play.

Mayor Curtis said he knew Dawson for 35 years. In fact, he saw him just a week prior to his death.

“I knew him since we were kids. He was always a really kind person and always had a smile on his face,” he said.

Curtis also noted he wanted to thank the RCMP for their hard work.

Police say there is no identified risk to the public.

And anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the RCMP at 667-5555.

RCMP and Kwanlin Dün are expected to hold a press conference on the deaths sometime early this week.