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January 24, 2003
Qikiqtani residents recognized
for bravery and compassion
NUNATSIAQ NEWS
Four Pond Inlet residents
were honoured for community service at an award ceremony on Jan. 21.
Midwife and traditional
healer Qamaniq Sangoya of Pond Inlet received the Governor Generals Caring
Award at a special ceremony in her home.
For years, Sangoya has
opened her home to foster children, supported terminally ill elders and counselled
survivors of sexual assault.
"In birth and in death,
in celebration and in mourning, Mrs. Sangoya is always there to provide support
by preparing meals, listening and giving comfort," said one presenter.
Eligah Tigullagak and two
other Pond Inlet residents received the Commissioners Award for Bravery.
Tigullagak risked his own life to save Mark Nutarak in the spring of 1984. The
two men were hunting when Nutarak fell through the ice. Tigullagak grabbed his
drowning friend and pulled him to safety.
Joanassie Attaajuaq was
awarded the Commissioners Bravery Award for saving Mathias Qaunaqs
life in March 2002.
Leo Maktaaq received the
same award, for saving the life of Jobie Nutarak, who is now MLA for the Tunnuniq
riding.
A similar award ceremony
was held in Clyde River on Jan. 23.
Joshua Qillaq received
the Commissioners Award for Bravery for saving Sally Arreak from choking.
Qillaq climbed up to where Arreak was hanging and set her free.
A bravery award was also
presented to Jason Palluq for numerous acts of bravery to Kuupi Palluq in 1985,
Tommy Etuangat in 1995, Boy Aasivak in 1985 and Jaiku Aasivak in 2001.
Josie Enuaraq received
the Commissioners Award for Long-Term Service for his 34 years with the
communitys district education authority and his outstanding leadership
role in Clyde River.
Bobby Jonas received the
Commissioners Recognition Award for his Inuit traditional knowledge, and
for passing that knowledge on to the youth of Clyde River.
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