ARVIAT - People from across Nunavut and far beyond joined Arviat in grieving the death of highly respected elder Mark Kalluak this past month.

Recently deceased Arviat elder Mark Kalluak was highly respected for his contributions to literacy and education during his lifetime. - photo courtesy of the Department of Education

The recognitions given Kalluak during his lifetime were many.

An author, Inuktitut literacy, cultural heritage and language coordinator, Kalluak was widely known as an expert on Inuit culture and language.

A businessman and former Arviat mayor, Kalluak received the Order of Canada in October of 1991 for his work in literacy, and worked tirelessly to ensure traditional knowledge was a staple of Nunavut school curriculum.

Born in 1942 and raised traditionally on the western shore of Hudson Bay, he was editor of the original Keewatin Echo when it went to print more than 40 years ago.

Kalluak was struck with polio in 1948 and sent to Winnipeg for treatment.

He spent his four years in hospital teaching himself how to read and write syllabics, as well as English as a second language.

Kalluak is survived by his children Nancy Kalluak, Sheila Napayok, Jenny Kalluak, Jessie Kaludjak (Peter), Connie Mamgark (Dean), Barney Kalluak (Lori Okatsiak), Kevin Kalluak (Shannon) and Travis Kalluak, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kaludjak said it was comforting to hear from so many after her dad's death.

She said Kalluak visited many parts of the world and always left a good impression.

"Dad went through a difficult time, leaving as a young boy with polio and tuberculosis, but he never expressed any negative words or feelings about that time to us," said Kaludjak.

"He might have felt afraid, leaving his parents at such a young age, but he always told us if he had not gone through what he did, he might never have learned to read or write, which gave him the opportunity later in life to give his share to our culture.

"He always wanted us to see his gratitude to God for making him who he was; not to praise himself, but to show us we all have a purpose in life and it's whether we choose to look at it in a positive or negative way.

"We owe thanks to everyone for their support; our friends, extended family, Pastor Bradley Williams, Elizabeth Copland, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Arviat Padlei Coop, Inns North and Northern store, Hamlet of Arviat, Sila Rainbow, Angeline Komak, John Stratinsky, Nunavut Arctic College, Arviat Justice Committee, Department of Education staff in Arviat and Iqaluit, Shirley Tagalik, Joe Karetak, Karetaks in Arviat and Rankin Inlet, Don and Sue Moors, Ken Beardsall, Murray Horn, Dan Shewchuk, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Ilagiiktut Ltd., friends and family who flew in for Dad's funeral."

Kaludjak said Kalluak was always big on education.

She said it played a major role in his life, and he was grateful to give back to his culture in that regard.

"I went to high school in Yellowknife and decided to quit just six months away from my graduation.

"I called to tell Dad I was tired of school and he'd have to pay my way home.

"He said I was his daughter and he'd pay my way home, but he asked me to think about it overnight because he didn't want me to regret my decision for the rest of my life.

"I called him the next morning to say I was staying in school, and he said that's what he had hoped and he would see me at my grad in six months."

Kaludjak said her dad was a quiet man, but when he spoke they all listened.

She said he enjoyed cameras and took great care in his work.

"He was always at the typewriter for many, many years, translating the New Testament into Inuktitut.

"When computers came along, he was always translating and writing stories.

"Family was always very, very important to him.

"Dad loved cameras, so it's hard to find good photos of him because he was always the one taking the pictures."

Kaludjak said because her father travelled so much, she loved the times her family would go camping.

She said they may not have gone camping as much as other families, but they treasured every time.

"Dad always had a little treasure for us when he came back from his trips.

"Before telephones, we had to wait for him to come home to hear about his travels.

"Later, he would call to tell us what he saw and to make sure everyone was OK."

Kaludjak said Kalluak was a humble man, who didn't care much for attention.

She said the Bible says pride comes before the fall and to humble yourself, and her dad took that seriously.

"He always let someone talk a great deal if they wanted to, but he would use few words to get across his feelings and thoughts.

"It was a shock when Dad passed away, but it was like a relief too because he mourned so much for our mom (Mary) after she died in 2006.

"It was too big of a loss for him and, although he was always there for us, he kept mostly to himself.

"We miss him so much, but his time on Earth is finished and he's with my mom now, so we accept that."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.