Trout Lake (Feb 03/06) - For Edward Jumbo, being recognized for saving two men's lives was unexpected.

On Jan. 27, NWT commissioner Tony Whitford travelled to Trout Lake to present Jumbo with a framed certificate from the Lifesaving Society.

NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford, left, was in Trout Lake to present Edward Jumbo with an award from the Lifesaving Society for his rescue efforts in August 2004. - photo courtesy of Tony Whitford

Whitford also gave Jumbo a Canadian flag from the commissioner's office.

"He is a very humble man," said Whitford about Jumbo.

The certificate was in honour of Jumbo's efforts in August 2004 when he rescued two tourists from Calgary who were fishing on Trout Lake.

"I didn't think I'd get anything out of it when I did it," said Jumbo through his daughter Yvonne who translated his Slavey.

Jumbo was headed across the lake when he noticed a boat in the distance and investigated. He found one man near the overturned boat and another swimming through the rough lake towards the shore.

This wasn't the first time Jumbo has rescued people on the lake. Jumbo told Whitford about a similar situation where he noticed a boat turning in circles. Taking a closer look, he found a man clinging to the side of the boat trying not to be pulled into the propeller. He took the man to shore.

"I was joking with him and said you're like a guardian angel watching over the lake," said Whitford.

At the ceremony, Whitford told the crowd about the importance of safety around water and being alert of other people's needs.

This was Whitford's first visit to Trout Lake, the only community in the Northwest Territories he hadn't visited. "It's a beautiful town," he said.

During the day, he spent time with the students at the Charles Techo school.

"They are a very talented young people for drawing things," he said.

By bringing two dozen oranges and apples, some grapes, milk and six dozen Tim Hortons' donuts, Whitford won some new friends.

Whitford read the students "A man called raven" by Northern author Richard Van Camp.

The message is that literacy is not beyond Northern children, said Whitford. He told the students about the importance of a basic education, particularly reading and writing.

- With files from Derek Neary