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Frankie Noah, front row, from left, Jaypetee Akeeagok, Annie Audlaluk (on behalf of Larry Audlaluk), Etuk Noah, Aksajuk Ningiuk and Commissioner Edna Elias. Back row, from left, Grise Fiord Mayor Liza Ningiuk, Jimmy Qaapik, Manasie Noah, Jarloo Kiguktak, Imooshie Nutaraqjuk, Tivai Kguktak (on behalf of Meeka Kiguktak) and Cpl. Ed Shorey. Grise Fiord celebrated two Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal winners and seven Bravery Award winners on June 6. - photo courtesy of Gayle Umphrey |
Hunter honoured with Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal Jack-of-all-trades recorded terrain on Ellesmere Island and devoted time to community
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, June 10, 2013
AUSUITTUQ/GRISE FIORD
A well-respected Grise Fiord resident was honoured at a ceremony on June 6 where he was presented with a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Aksajuk Ningiuk, described as a jack-of-all-trades and a fountain of knowledge, received his award from Commissioner of Nunavut Edna Elias. She was in Grise Fiord for her annual spring levee after illness prevented her from visiting the community at the beginning of the year.
Marty Kuluguqtuq, assistant senior administrative officer for the hamlet, knows Ningiuk well and spoke highly of his friend's reputation across the High Arctic.
"I heard about him even before I moved to Grise Fiord, over 17 years ago," Kuluguqtuq said.
"I've gotten to know him quite well over the years by working alongside him but also from hunting with him on several occasions. There is very little he can't tackle."
Ningiuk was Grise Fiord's public works foreman before it was incorporated as a hamlet in 1987 and continued working in the position until his retirement, approximately 18 months ago.
He devoted a lot of his time to helping others, such as taking part in cultural activities at Umimmak School or leading the Sunday service at church.
"He would also be in charge of anything that had to do with mechanics, plumbing, electrical, roads, maintenance, basically anything under the sun," Kuluguqtuq said. "On top of that he's always been an avid hunter and a lot of us have taken advice from him on the weather, ice conditions or how to fix a snowmobile."
Kuluguqtuq said residents from other communities call the hamlet on a regular basis to get advice from Ningiuk. The hamlet also calls on his expertise and knowledge from time to time.
"Very rarely will he refuse any work requests," Kuluguqtuq said.
At Thursday's ceremony, Ningiuk was recognized for his efforts recording terrain across Ellesmere Island, mostly in the area known as Jones Sound.
He was one of 33 medal recipients in 2012-2013 celebrated for their exceptional contributions to Inuit and Inuit society.
Ningiuk said he is proud of his accomplishments but doesn't put too much importance on recognition.
"I don't think about it too much, I would just like to follow the ways of today," he said through interpreter Saalia Pijamini. "I started hunting when I was a teenager, by following our Inuit way of life. I am especially proud of all my hunting adventures: for example, I've gone out looking for lakes where fishing can be done, and I've also enjoyed using an ATV in the summer to look for caribou and explore lands that nobody has been to."
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