NUNAVUT - In September 2003, four boys fell through the ice while playing on a pond behind Netsilik School in Taloyoak. Tony Ittunga, who died in 2006, was one of the people who came to their aid. Two of the boys died; two were revived, one after spending about 20 minutes in the frigid water.

Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias, left, shakes the hand of Mary Ittunga who accepted the Award for Bravery on behalf of her late husband Tony in Taloyoak late last month. Nattilik MLA Jeannie Ugyuk also congratulated Ittunga. - photo courtesy of Gina Pizzo

He posthumously received the Commissioner's Award for Bravery late last month. Mary Ittunga, Tony's 71-year-old widow, accepted the award on his behalf from Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias, when she travelled to Taloyoak.

"I appreciate the award. I accept it on behalf of my husband but I would have preferred that my son receive the award on behalf of his father," she said, speaking through her daughter Louise Anaija.

Anaija said Mary can remember everything about that day, adding the family is always glad one boy survived. The family always credits everyone who participated in the rescue efforts.

"My dad tried his best to get those boys out of the water. It was a harrowing experience. All we wanted was the boys to get out. Some of the them were not responding," said Anaija.

"I am so grateful for everyone involved in getting the recognition to my dad. He felt like he failed. Not all of them survived but he tried his best."

Mary said that on her way to a daughters' house seven years ago, she saw children running towards the lake behind her own house as night fell. She saw the children fall through the ice. Tony arrived from a hunting trip and tried to pull them out of the water. People gathered, including worried parents who feared their children were the ones in the water. Then the RCMP arrived after first going to the wrong pond, she said. Mary said they tried to warm up the boys but recalled they were "so cold." She added prayer has helped her overcome the experience.

Elias also travelled to Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk to present Commissioner's awards for bravery, community service, special skills, volunteering, youth achievement and compassionate actions.

Robert Lawrence Ayalik in Kugluktuk received the bravery award along with his mother Alice Hitkoak Ayalik for their actions in the rescue of Roy Havioyak from his burning house.

"This was not something I sought to get attention from," said Ayalik. "The thanks I got from Roy and his family was enough."

He added he would like to thank the person who nominated him.

Three or four years ago as he was helping his mother hang fish to dry, said Ayalik, someone came running down the street saying Havioyak's house was on fire. He added when he got to the house, there was already lots of smoke. Ayalik said he told Kenny Koudloak, standing by the door, to keep shouting so he would know how where to head to get out of the house because of the thick smoke.

Ayalik called Havioyak's name and eventually got a response. He started crawling into the house, bumping into furniture, and found the man in the kitchen. He dragged him out, following the sound of Koudloak's voice.

Ayalik and his mother Alice did CPR, Alice doing compressions while he performed mouth to mouth, until Havioyak came to.

Recent winners of Commissioner's awards

Taloyoak

Bravery

*Tony Ittunga (late) and RCMP officer Warren Gauthier: - For their actions in attempting to rescue four boys who fell through ice in September 2003.

Community service

*John Charles Pizzo-Lyall - On at least three occasions, he picked up and took home drunk people who had passed out in the snow.
*Sarah Takolik and Mary Eetoolook - Educators for more than 30 years, they have mentored new Inuit teachers, and are dedicated to promoting Inuktitut in the school and community.
*Elizabeth Lyall - For her commitment to life-long learning, her dedication to counselling those who are facing personal or family issues, and her willingness to serve her community.
*Annie Buchan - For her commitment and efforts to serve her community. She has worked for health and social services for 28 years.

Gjoa Haven

Bravery

*Maurice Tungilik - For his efforts in finding and then guarding the body of Eva Aquptangoak in 2004 until the RCMP arrived.
*Lena Siguk - Saved the life of Salomon Junior Porter as he was choking on a piece of candy.
*Albert Palongayak - For his efforts to rescue four boys who fell through ice in September 2003. Two survived.
*Elwood Shantz, Troy Beaulieu and Hanah Qirqqut - For rescuing Ricky Nanooklook from a dog attack.
*Ikey Pooyatak and Mathew Tiriganiaq - For their actions to rescue Angela Ikkuallaq from drowning in 1978.

Compassionate actions

*Charlie Cahill - Paid the airfare for Louie Kamookak's wife and daughter so they could be by his side when he was having surgery in Edmonton in 2005.

Volunteering

*Willie Aglukkaq - For his efforts to support the community's search and rescue team.

Special skills

*Michael Anguttitauruq - For his commitment to keep Kugaaruk together as a thriving community in the Kitikmeot.
*Miriam Nilaulak Aglukkaq -For administering medicines and co-ordinating travel south when people are ill.

Community service

*Joanni Sallerina, Mark Ullikatak and Jerry Arqviq - For their efforts during the search and rescue of Charlie and Curtis Qirqqut.
*Allen Aglukkaq - For his service as a community radio broadcaster.

Kugluktuk

Bravery

*Darla Evyagotailak, Emerald McDonald and Clarence Kanok Bolt
For their actions in the rescue Keith Hatogina from drowning in the Coppermine River.
*Alice Hitkoak Ayalik and Robert Lawrence Ayalik - For their actions in the rescue of Roy Havioyak from his burning house.

Special skills

*Colin Adjun -For inspiring communities to make healthy lifestyle choices through his music.
*Susie Evyagotailak, Mavis Adjun and Margaret Havioyak - For their dedication to the Youth Square Dance group in Kugluktuk.
*Doris Elatiak and Mona Tiktalek - For their years of service as interpreters at St. Andrews Anglican Church.
*Peter and Cecile Kamingoak - For their 67 years of marriage.

Volunteer service

*Shawn Kuliktana - For his actions in ensuring the Youth Square Dance Group continues its mandate.
*Otto Hokanak - For his years of service as St. Andrews Anglican Church bell ringer.
*Millie Kuliktana - For her years of service as a volunteer.

Youth achievement

*Helena Bolt - For her actions in ensuring the Youth Square Dance Group continues its mandate.

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