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INUVIK
Eleven Inuvik residents received Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals Jan. 21 to recognize their significant contributions to the community.

Gathered for a group photo at the Diamond Jubilee medal ceremony Jan. 21 are back row, left to right: Mayor Floyd Roland, Nellie Cournoyea, Gerry Kisoun, Lance Raddi Gray, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Robert McLeod, Don Craik, Premier Bob McLeod, Mary Ann Ross, Fred Church and Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Alfred Moses. Front row, left to right: Margaret Miller, Naudia Lennie (accepted award on behalf of Sam Lennie), Sandra Ipana, Mary Ellen Binder, Delores Harley and Pippa Seccombe-Hett. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo

Twenty-year-old Lance Raddi Gray was the youngest recipient at the ceremony. He was honoured for his volunteer efforts with local sports teams and his previous role as supervisor for the Lights On program. The recent high school grad said he never expected to receive such an award.

A surprising reward

"I was just kind of doing my thing and to be recognized for it is kind of surprising in my mind," he said.

The Diamond Jubilee medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. Sixty thousand Canadians were set to receive the award throughout the year of celebrations in order to honour their contributions and achievements. Recipients are chosen based on nominations from community members.

Inuvik resident Mary Ann Ross was at last weekend's Lights concert when Peter Clarkson, regional director for the Department of the Executive, discreetly informed her she had been picked for the award.

"It just kind of threw me off because I was not expecting it," she said. "I really want to find out who nominated me and just say thank you."

Ross has played a very active role in the community. She is the former vice-president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council and a current volunteer with the Inuvik Interagency Committee, as well as the homeless shelter board. Her tireless work and dedication are what won her the award.

Other medal recipients were Gerry Kisoun, Don Craik, Fred Church, Margaret Miller, Sandra Ipana, Mary Ellen Binder, Delores Harley, Pippa Seccombe-Hett and Sam Lennie.

Lennie was chosen for his constant commitment to pass on traditional knowledge. The elder freely shares his love of the land by teaching others to harvest and to make tools needed in the harvest of traditional foods.

Then there is "super-volunteer" Harley, who has helped initiate and develop the Inuvik Aboriginal Head Start and Children First Society. She was also the driving force behind the development and implementation of the town's Not Us anti-drug campaign.

"I think everyone who received an award today and previously did a great job and I'm glad to see them recognized," said Clarkson, emcee for the event, adding there were many others he wishes could have received an award, too.

"People are always focusing on the negative so it's good to see that people have an opportunity to get recognized for some of the good things that they do."

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