Rankin Inlet (Apr 06/05) - The brave and the dedicated were recognized this past week by Nunavut Commissioner Peter Irniq.

A total of 16 Commissioner's Awards for Bravery and two volunteer awards were presented in front of a large gathering of family and friends at the community hall.

Receiving the bravery award were Ron Brown, David Oolooyuk, Harry and Neco Towtongie, Victor and Patrick Kaludjak, Peter and John Taipana, Simon Naukatsik, Hamish Tatty, Marcel Marin, John Tugak Sr., Raymond Taparti, Inaukatsiak Mark Papak, Caroline Anawak and Elizabeth Kusugak.

Tommy Makkigak and John Tatty were both presented with the Commissioner's Award for Voluntarism.

Ten of the 16 bravery awards were presented in connection to one incident in August 1995.

Eight of the 10 were recognized for driving all night on ATVs in a fierce storm in an attempt to reach Jessie and Peter Kaludjak and their two daughters, as well as family friend Warren Palfrey.

Two others had tried unsuccessfully to reach the group by boat.

Jessie and her two daughters were stranded at Qairniq in a tent which had been ripped in half by high winds.

Peter and Warren were spotted across the river when rescuers arrived, having left the tent site in an effort to save their boat from the winds.

The high winds prevented the group from being reached by helicopter or boat during the storm.

Irniq told the gathering at the awards ceremony it always gives him great pleasure to recognize the efforts of those who risked their own lives to save others.

"I also take pleasure in recognizing the people who serve their communities as volunteers," said Irniq.

"I appreciate being invited to Rankin Inlet to recognize both those who have helped others and those who work hard to help their community grow.

Keep culture alive

"And, while we are recognizing accomplishments, let's never forget our ancestors and elders for bringing us here.

"Those of us here have to take great care to keep our culture and language alive."