Stephanie McDonald
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 7, 2008

HALL BEACH - Martha Anguratsiaq was born on the land close to Hall Beach in the fall of 1954, but moved to the settlement at an early age to be close to a hospital and for the promise of schooling.

At the tender age of five she was sent to Toronto where she spent the next four years in hospital, being treated for tuberculosis.

Martha Anguratsiaq sits with her husband and mayor of Hall Beach, Sam, at last week's New Year's Eve celebration. At an early age she was sent to Toronto for TB treatment. - photo courtesy of Reena Irqittuq

At nine years old, she returned to Hall Beach where she has lived ever since.

"I forgot my language because I was away from home for too long," Anguratsiaq said.

For a year she had the aid of an interpreter until she relearned Inuktitut.

At 19 Anguratsiaq started to date her future husband Sam, currently the mayor of Hall Beach.

They were married in 1986 and had seven children together, one who has since passed away. Their family has grown to include 12 grandchildren.

When asked the secret of her 34-year-old partnership with Sam, Anguratsiaq replied.

"Try to be happy. Try to forget the problems, let them pass by. Make your kids and grandkids happy instead of being so sad all the time."

Her love and pride for her husband is obvious, calling him the "best grandfather in Hall Beach."

Anguratsiaq spends her days working at the Nasittuq Corporation, doing janitorial work.

She and her husband enjoy doing puzzles together and, while most people find cleaning a chore, Anguratsiaq takes pleasure in it.

"I love cleaning my house," she said. "I like it clean and spotless."

"I love taking care of my grandkids and I love sewing," she said.

Her family has a cabin at Hall Lake and she enjoys fishing in May and June when the weather warms up.

Each Christmas, Anguratsiaq volunteers her time to prepare bread for the community feast, making a total of 14 loaves each year.