Cambridge Bay (Dec 11/06) - Though many of the Kitikmeot giants of the land claims movement no longer walk among us, Jason Tologanak wanted to make sure they weren't forgotten.

A recognition ceremony held as part of Kitikmeot Inuit Association's recent 30th anniversary celebrations was meant to honour the contributions of those who have worked for Inuit people over the past three decades.

Dennis Lyall of Taloyoak proudly sits next to his late brother Pat Lyall's portrait, which will be placed in the boardroom at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association headquarters in Cambridge Bay. - Navalik Tologanak/NNSL photos

"We're just trying to celebrate the contributions of people who have made significant impacts on our organization," said Tologanak, policy analyst with the KIA and grandson of John Tologanak, a member of the first KIA board.

Among those recognized were the original signatories to KIA's documents of incorporation and all its past presidents. A portrait of each now hangs in the KIA's boardroom, and family members each got a copy.

Jason's grandfather John was one of those signatories and "one of the founding fathers" of KIA. In the process of researching the project, Tologanak said he learned much about the deep roots of the land claims process.

"(John) was a very inspiring man and he was a very solid leader," he said. "It was very interesting for me to find out not only about his contributions but (also those of) many, many Inuit over the years."

Leah Eckalook-Lyall, wife of the late Pat Lyall, was taken with the portrait she received.

"It was really nice. They took it when he was still chubby," she said with a giggle from her home in Taloyoak.

"It's really nice to get a picture like that. We were all emotional."

Harry Maksagak, son of the KIA's first president John Maksagak, said "It's unfortunate they waited for 30 years to do this."

John Maksagak died of cancer on April 1, 1999: the day Nunavut came into being.

But his son said the ceremony was "commendable."

"We thought it was an excellent thing to do to recognize their people who had the vision and the courage to come up with what we have today," Maksagak said.