Yumimi Pang
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 07, 2008

SANIRAJAK/HALL BEACH - A snowmobile accident has taken the life of a man known for his work throughout the Baffin region.

Timut Qamukaq died while on a seal hunt on June 26 after he drove his Ski-Doo into an open pool of water and drowned. RCMP and Hall Beach search and rescue found Qamukaq on June 27. RCMP believe he may have been blinded by the sun.

Qamukaq, who was in his 60s, had made Hall Beach his home for the past decade, but he spent the bulk of his life in Iglulik, making many friends, including Iglulik mayor Paul Quassa.

"He has always tried to help his fellow Inuit through the political field. He loved to go out hunting. Ever since I knew him, he was always smiling and very friendly," said Quassa.

Qamukaq was an active member of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and served two terms as a board representative in Hall Beach. He did not seek a third term but instead sought to be appointed as an elders' representative on the QIA board of directors and succeeded.

He was also a member of QIA's Social/Cultural Committee and a member of the board of Niutaq Cultural Institute. He was recently appointed chair of the Embrace Life Council's Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Steering Committee. He had also been involved with the hunters and trappers association.

"It is very sad news to hear of his passing," said Terry Audla, executive director of QIA.

"He was well respected both in the community and at the board level."

Audla said Qamukaq will be remembered for his work to establish the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, its mandate is to investigate the truth surrounding the alleged dog slaughter, relocations and other government decisions and the effects on Inuit way of life, economy and culture. Qamukaq also worked on DEW line cleanups as well.

Audla will remember Qamukaq's strong speaking style.

"Whenever he spoke, people listened and he wasn't forceful in the sense that it was his way or no way," said Audla.

"A lot of what he said made a lot of sense."

Qamukaq will also be remembered for his personality.

"He had a great sense of humour. Ever since I knew him, you could tell his laugh anywhere," said Quassa.

Qamukaq had a love of learning and was one of the first students at Iglulik's first adult education centre in 1970.

Qamukaq was also involved with the Roman Catholic church and was a lay priest in Hall Beach.

"He was involved in pretty well the lives of the Inuit - spiritual or politicking or to our hunters. He was always there willing to help whenever he could," said Quassa. "Both the communities of Iglulik and Hall Beach will certainly miss him."

Qamukaq's funeral was held on the afternoon of July 3 at the Roman Catholic mission in Iglulik.