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Aitaok recognized for military merit Jeanne Gagnon Northern News Services Published Monday, December 5, 2011
The merit is given to deserving members of the Canadian Forces, whether regular or reserve. Aitoak and his wife Vicki will travel to Ottawa where he will receive the award from Governor General David Johnston. "For me, it's a great honour to be receiving the award from the Governor General," he said. "It didn't really sink in until probably later on that I'll be getting the award." The only other Canadian Ranger from Nunavut to receive the award, Ollie Ittinuar of the Rankin Inlet patrol, did so in 2009. "I've got a lot to look up to," said Aitoak. In 2004, Aitaok enrolled in the Canadian Rangers as a private and within three years he became the patrol's sergeant. He said he is responsible, in that role, for approximately 27 Rangers, around eight of which are women; the oldest is in his late 70s or early 80s. "I originally wanted to join because I thought it would bring back something to the community and also to Canada," he said. "I have seen the Ranger patrol here in Cambridge Bay grow. Hopefully I can interest more people in joining the Rangers here in Cambridge." The 44-year-old native of Yellowknife was raised in an outpost camp at Perry Island about 153 km southeast of Cambridge Bay. He now owns the Arctic Closet, a shop selling art, crafts and carvings in Cambridge Bay, and works at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. as a mineral agreements adviser. "It just started to storm now so hopefully my flight will leave tomorrow (Nov. 30). That's my only nervousness," he said.
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