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KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR - Jamesie Kootoo used knowledge gained through his 64 years in the North to survive a harsh hand dealt to him on the land last March.

Canadian Ranger Sgt. Jamesie Kootoo of Kimmirut survived a Ski-Doo accident last March during the Qimualaniq Quest dog sled race by covering his head in snow to keep warm until rescuers found him. - Herb Mathisen/NNSL photo

The 30-year resident of Kimmirut and sergeant with the Canadian Rangers was working with the Rangers to keep an eye on Qimualaniq Quest dog mushers racing from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back last spring.

"We have to keep watch on the dog team race," said Kootoo, adding Canadian Rangers made sure racers stayed on course.

The Canadian Rangers were also present to protect competitors from wolves and polar bears, he said.

Kootoo, in charge of a four-Ranger group, was travelling alone when he took his snow-machine over a ridge of snow and fell 25 feet, breaking his pelvis.

"I could not move," he said.

Alone and unable to communicate with anyone for help, Kootoo took stock of the situation.

"I said to myself, 'I could move my arm,'" he said.

So Kootoo covered his head with snow to conserve heat and to shelter himself from the wind.

Although this move saved him from the elements, it made it difficult for searchers to locate him.

"They couldn't find me," he said.

"I heard lots of Ski-Doos on top, but they couldn't see me."

He said he thought he was out for nearly three days.

Eventually, two young men found him.

"They lifted me onto the qamutiik," he said, "and I passed out."

In town, Kootoo said his wife saw him and asked him how he was. He responded to all her questions thoroughly, his wife later told him.

That came as a shock to Kootoo.

"I didn't even know I answered her questions," he laughed. He didn't remember much after being picked up by the rescuers.

Kootoo was medevaced to Ottawa and stayed there for two months to recover from his injuries.

He still uses crutches to get around as there is a cable, held tight with a metal screw, keeping his pelvis together.

Kootoo said he is eager to get back down to Ottawa to get some of the gear removed and return to life as usual.