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Friends, family and community members proudly display the Order of Nunavut presented to the late elder Mark Kalluak in Arviat this past week. - photo courtesy of Cindy Ann Nooveya

ARVIAT
It was a proud and emotional day for family members when the Order of Nunavut was officially bestowed upon the late Mark Kalluak in Arviat on Jan. 19.

The Order of Nunavut was also presented to the family of the late Jose Kusugak of Rankin Inlet this past month.

Kalluak - an author, Inuktitut literacy, cultural heritage and language co-ordinator, former Arviat mayor and businessman - was widely known as an expert on Inuit culture and language.

He 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 the Nunavut school curriculum.

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

His daughter, Jessie Kaludjak, said the entire family was excited and very proud to have the official presentation made in Arviat.

She said although her dad worked very hard during his life, the family never really expected him to receive something like the Order of Nunavut in recognition of those efforts.

"We're very humbled he would be recognized in this manner," said Kaludjak.

"We were all excited to find out the commissioner (Edna Elias) herself, would be coming to make the presentation to the family.

"Although we've been coping pretty good since my father's death, I think this is going to help the grieving process tremendously."

Speaker of the legislative assembly and chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council, Hunter Tootoo, was also in Arviat for the presentation.

After the family accepted the Order of Nunavut during the investiture ceremony, a feast and square dance were held at the community hall bearing Kalluak's name.

Kaludjak said is was nice to have so many family members and her dad's former co-workers at the ceremony.

She said the event came about on short notice, following the disappointment of the original ceremony having to be postponed due to bad weather this past month.

"The whole community feels a sense of pride over the fact he was one of the first recipients of the Order of Nunavut.

"We were all ready for the first ceremony, and had even started the feast, when we were told they wouldn't be able to get into Arviat.

"While it was a little disappointing when the first one was cancelled, we knew it would eventually happen and it was a proud night for everyone this past week.

"It's always better late than never."

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