Respected Inuit politician and hunter dies
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Apr 23/01) - More than 500 people poured into St. Jude's Anglican Church to say goodbye to respected elder Ben Ell Thursday.
The former deputy mayor and noted hunter died from natural causes while hunting last weekend. He was 67 years old.
"It's a huge loss for his family and the community, but he died the way he wanted, on the land," said Ed Picco, the minister of Health and Social Services and longtime family friend.
Many people said it was the biggest funeral since Iqaluit resident Fred Coman passed away in 1998.
Ell was involved with municipal politics for 20 years. He held the deputy mayor's seat from 1991 to 2000. He lost his bid to become mayor in 2000 and retired from municipal politics.
He was as proficient on the land as he was in council chambers.
"Ben had a quiet confidence. People had faith in him," Picco said, after recalling an overnight boating trip through icebergs with Ell and his son Jerry.
Premier saddened
Premier Paul Okalik and Ell campaigned against each other in the 1999 territorial election.
"He pursued public office for the good of his community," Okalik said. "I was sad to hear of his passing."
While on Town council, Ell pushed for Inuktitut language rights, protecting land for traditional use, solid waste projects, snowmobile trails and Inuit employment quotas.
Mayor John Matthews said Ell's sudden passing marks the loss of a dedicated and respected Inuit leader.
Joe Arreak, city executive assistant, worked with Ell for almost a decade.
Arreak said Ell encouraged Inuit to stand up for themselves and exercise their fundamental human rights.
"He had heart problems, which I think got in the way of him running for mayor. If he was healthy, he certainly would have been a strong candidate," said Arreak.
Upon personal reflection, Arreak remembered Ell as forthright.
"He didn't beat around the bush," Arreak said.
David Wilman met Ell on the land 30 years ago.
A neophyte when it came to travelling outdoors, Wilman watched in silent awe as Ell quietly adjusted his wobbly qamutiq by pulling a hitch Wilman thought was perfectly adjusted.
"Ever since that time, we'd pass on the street and say hello. He was a very pleasant, obviously well-respected leader and teacher," Wilman said.
Ell is survived by his wife and a large extended family stretching throughout Nunavut.
