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RANKIN INLET/OTTAWA - A Nunavummiut was inducted into the Order of Military Merit for the first time in history this past month in Ottawa.

Elder Ollie Ittinuar of the Rankin Inlet Canadian Ranger Patrol was inducted into the Order by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean on Jan. 30 during a gala ceremony at Rideau Hall.

Elder Ollie Ittinaur chats with Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean as his son Harry Ittinuar listens in shortly after Jean inducted the Rankin Inlet elder into the Order of Military Merit in Ottawa on Jan. 30, 2009. - photo courtesy of Peter Ittinuar

Ittinuar, 88, was recognized for his outstanding service to his community and his country with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian Forces.

He became one of only a handful of Canadian Rangers ever to receive the prestigious military decoration.

The Rankin elder, still active, is the oldest serving member of the Canadian Forces, having joined the Rankin Inlet Canadian Ranger Patrol in 1984 at the age of 60.

Prior to the Rangers, Ittinuar served with the RCMP as a guide and special constable from 1949 to 1957.

Ittinuar has long expressed concern over the fact there do not seem to be as many young people interested in joining the Rangers as there were in the past, and others often do not take the obligation seriously enough.

He hopes being inducted into the Order of Military Merit will show what hard work and dedication can accomplish.

"The legacy I would like to leave behind is that no matter who you are, or where you live, don't ever give up and be the best you can be for yourself and others," said Ittinuar.

Harry Ittinuar accompanied his father to the awards ceremony and said it was an awesome experience.

He said his father felt extremely proud throughout the proceedings.

"Not only was being presented with this award a fantastic experience and great honour for my dad, it should also have a positive impact on our patrol," said Harry.

"We're losing some Rangers due to the fact they've been at it for a while and are getting bored with doing the same things all the time.

"It's always a challenge to keep morale up."

Harry said his father has been dedicated to the Canadian Rangers since they started in Rankin.

He said his dad has always shown loyalty and great leadership to his culture.

"I am very proud to have been taught survival skills by my father.

"It has helped me to be successful in my life today, and I will do my best to teach these same skills to future generations."