Hunters recognized for bravery
Six residents receive commissioner's awards for outstanding service
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, May 5, 2014
IQALUIT
For three days, Pitseolak Alainga and Billy Kownirk endured rough seas while they clung to the wreckage of their boat, waiting for rescuers to find them.
They survived on nothing but snow until finally, on the fourth day, a Hercules airplane appeared overhead, signalling an end to the ordeal.
On April 17, Alainga and Kownirk were presented commissioner's awards for their bravery during the incident, which happened in the fall of 1994.
"Right now I feel relief that me and my buddy got our awards," said Alainga. "It's been 20 years since the accident and now it's finally here and I can start taking all the heavy burdens I carried on my back off while my mom is still here and happy. It's a good thing that we got it."
Alaigna, Kownirk and eight other men had been out hunting walrus for the upcoming community feast when the mishap occurred.
While they were heading back to land the 34- or 36-foot boat they were on sprung a leak.
All 10 men piled into an 18-foot canoe they had been towing. But the winds were strong and the waves were high.
"Two big waves hit us and almost capsized the canoe and then the third big wave hit the canoe and that's when we capsized," recalled Alainga. "Everybody got into the water and that's when me and Billy lost everybody else."
The pair swam to the wreckage of the boat and hung on for dear life.
"Both him and I kept each other awake for all those nights and days. All together I think we had 15 or 20 minutes of sleep in four days," said Alainga. "I know people learned from our accident. Hopefully, there will be no more accidents like this in the future."
The other eight hunters perished, including Alainga's father.
Alainga said hunters should always tell someone where they're going when they go out on the land or to sea. It's also important to tell someone when they'll be back and what supplies they have with them, he added.
Six other Nunavummiut also received commissioner's awards, which were presented by Nunavut deputy commissioner Nellie Kusugak.
Samo Angnakak was recognized for saving his six-year-old nephew from drowning in 2009.
Awards also went to Judy Grace Gabuna and Ed McKenna for their volunteer service with the Iqaluit soup kitchen. Gabuna helps at the Anglican Church as well.
Mathew Knickelbein received the humanitarian award for opening up Nanook School in Apex when residents were without power for 18 hours in January this year.
Amaujaq Groves was the youngest of the award winners. He was honoured for pulling a piece of cereal out of his baby sister's mouth when she was choking in 2007. Groves was just four years old at the time.
"I believe volunteers are the heart of every community. What would we do without their tireless support?" stated Kusugak in a news release. "Life is so precious. We've been taught to love and help one another. I thank all who put others before themselves. We are all grateful."
