Deputy-mayor recovering
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Mar 26/01) - Iqaluit's deputy mayor remains in hospital, recovering from frostbite to his feet.
Simon Nattaq went hunting by snowmobile on Feb. 17. After his machine sank in water, he slept in a dug out hole in the snow and then struggled to a cabin 29 kilometres from Iqaluit. He was rescued after two days and taken to Baffin Regional Hospital.
"I've been going to see him on a fairly regular basis," said Josee Arreak, municipal liaison officer and a member of Nattaq's family. He said over a week ago Nattaq began to feel a pulse in his feet, a good sign.
But amputation is still a possibility.
"He is still waiting for confirmation from the medical people to see a bone and skin doctor to see what will happen with his feet," Arreak said.
He added that Nattaq must be under medical care for about three months so professionals can pay close attention to tissue and nerve healing.
"He cannot walk and he needs anaesthetic to relieve the pain in his feet," Arreak said. "He is in very good spirits ... I don't think he is overly concerned, just happy to be alive."
