Frostbite damage from accident too severe
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Apr 06/01) - The Town's deputy mayor will undergo partial amputation of both legs after suffering severe frostbite earlier this year.
A reportedly stoic Simon Nattaq, 56, boarded a plane for Ottawa Thursday. His daughter Dorcas joined him.
"It has been a difficult time," said a Nattaq family member.
The Town councillor sustained severe frostbite to his feet and lower legs after when his snowmobile plunged through thin ice while he was hunting about 40 kilometres southeast of Iqaluit on Feb. 17. Nattaq was alone at the time.
Two days passed before rescuers found Nattaq. He managed to make it to a cabin 10 kilometres away from where his snowmobile went through the ice.
"He did everything the best he could. He was very, very relieved to see us," said Glenn Williams, one of two rescuers who found Nattaq.
Nattaq avoided total dehydration by melting snow in an empty can with a candle he found in the cabin.
He remained at the Baffin Region Hospital until boarding the plane for Ottawa.
Mayor John Matthews visited his friend and fellow politician several times.
"He was putting up a very brave face. He was thankful for what he found (life) not what he might lose," Matthews said.
"We are very saddened by his situation and send our prayers and best wishes to the Nattaq family."
It is expected that it will be several months before Nattaq can return to Iqaluit. He is, however, scheduled to make a speech from his Ottawa hospital room April 19, when Iqaluit becomes a city.
"His wisdom and experience is dearly missed," said Matthews. "We expect and hope he'll be back."
