Ottawa (July 31/06) - A lifetime of outstanding achievement has landed Cornelius Nutarak and Sheila Watt-Cloutier an Order of Canada distinction.

Watt-Cloutier, of Iqaluit, and Nutarak, a Pond Inlet resident, were among the 77 most recent Canadians to attain the accolade. Governor-General Michaelle Jean made the announcement on July 24.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier receives the inaugural Northern medal from former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Sept. 22, 2005. Last week Watt-Cloutier was named an officer of the Order of Canada for her outstanding achievement in social service. - photo courtesy of Master Cpl. Paz Quille/Rideau Hall

Nutarak, better known as Kooneeloosee, is described as "a guardian of Inuit customs," by Rideau Hall staff.

Jesse, one of his 11 children, said his father has spent most of his life compiling information on the traditional Inuit lifestyle - the way things were done prior to the introduction of electricity and modern tools. He has shared his knowledge in Inuktitut in classrooms and on the radio, telling of age-old hunting practices, preparing skins for traditional clothing, and interpreting weather patterns.

Kooneeloosee has assisted many people throughout the years including Anglican reverends, RCMP and community members, according to Jesse.

"They relied on his information and what he remembers," he said, adding that his father has made journal entries every night for as long as he can remember.

Kooneeloosee's dedication to his community and to his people merited him a membership in the Order of Canada in the heritage category.

"I'm just glad that he's just getting some sort of recognition while he's alive," Jesse said of his dad, who is in his mid-80s.

Watt-Cloutier is renowned for her outspoken crusade for Inuit rights, particularly in raising awareness of climate change and its impact on the Arctic. She was chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference until earlier this year and has begun to receive international acclaim for her deeds. She said this latest award is special because it comes from her own country.

"The Order of Canada is no small recognition," she said. "So I'm very honoured to have received this."

Rideau Hall staff characterize Watt-Cloutier as a "passionate and untiring leader" who is credited with persuading the international community to sign an agreement to ban persistent organic pollutants. Although she isn't currently serving as an elected politician, Watt-Cloutier remains busy with speaking engagements and activism.

She vows to continue advancing a human rights petition signed by Inuit elders and hunters that calls for action on climate change.

"I will carry that until there is an end to it, if there is one," she said. She has also started writing a book on human rights and global warming.