Pilakapsi honoured during emotional ceremony
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (May 02/01) - The memorial dedication and presentation paying tribute to the late Louis Pilakapsi in Rankin Inlet was an emotional affair.
At the Maani Ulujuk middle school gym this past week, two beautiful pieces to commemorate Pilakapsi were unveiled as family members sobbed and expressed sorrow.
The event for Pilakapsi, who lost his life last year in a boating accident, was called No Boundaries -- In Honour of Louis Pilakapsi.
The trio of Paul Kaludjak, Kivalliq Inuit Association president; James Eeetoolook, first vice-president Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.; and Dennis Lyall, Nunavut Association of Municipalities president; each gave a warm presentation on Pilakapsi's contributions to the formation of Nunavut, before the unveiling of a plaque and painting by Rankin's Jim Shirley.
Brenda Pilakapsi is the second youngest of 10 children: five boys and five girls.
She says she was deeply touched by the words of Kaludjak, Eetoolook and Lyall during the dedication to her father.
"Although it was very hard not to be sad during the ceremony, I was very happy to see my father honoured like that," says Brenda.
"It was good for people to hear how hard my father worked for Nunavut. Hearing those words made me happy."
Brenda says she was impressed by both the plaque and the painting of her father, acknowledging Jim Shirley's efforts in his work.
"The ceremony was very touching and the painting is so nice. He (Shirley) did a very good job.
"My mom is very proud to have it at home.
I was also deeply touched by the number of people who came to the ceremony. That meant a lot to us all."
