Derrell Greer
Northern News Services

Chesterfield Inlet (Jan 19/00) - A Chesterfield Inlet elder described as one of the most experienced hunter in the community is dead following a tragic accident.

Morris Kukkiak, 64, left Chesterfield Inlet during the early morning hours of the coldest day so far this winter, Jan. 10, for a day of seal hunting.

When he failed to return to the hamlet, the Chesterfield Inlet Search and Rescue Team was called into action and the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP was contacted.

NCO in charge, Sgt. Mark Hennigar, said the Rankin detachment immediately contracted a Skyward Aviation plane and two members left Rankin to join the search for Kukkiak.

Const. Brock Linaker and Const. Dave Doerkson made the trip to Chesterfield.

Kukkiak's equipment was found by SAR members on Jan. 11, about 20 kilometres northeast of Chesterfield Inlet on the floe edge of Hudson Bay.

The two Rankin RCMP members attended the scene and concluded from their investigation that Kukkiak slipped and fell into the water.

Linaker said Kukkiak was dressed well for his sealing trip, but didn't take much gear because he only planned to be out for the day.

"We found Mr. Kukkiak's snowmachine, his qamutik and a home-made boat at the site," said Linaker.

"The biggest indicator Mr. Kukkiak fell in was that there was no evidence of him leaving the scene.

"It was evident he had been walking around the boat.

"It looked like he had pulled the boat up on shore, then walked back towards the boat and disappeared."

After the RCMP concluded its investigation, Chesterfield SAR members returned to the site at about 10 a.m. on Jan. 12.

The searchers located Kukkiak's body frozen in the sea ice, which was not initially visible to searchers.

Born on Feb. 4, 1935, Kukkiak was widely regarded as one of the most experienced people out on the land in Chesterfield Inlet.

Linaker said residents told the two constables Kukkiak's life revolved around being on the land.

"People told us he was out on the land almost everyday," said Linaker.

"That's where he was and that's what he lived for, to be out hunting and fishing.

"No matter how experienced you are, tragedies can still happen.

"When you're on the land, you always have to be prepared for a mishap because it can get anybody."