Residents of Qikiqtarjuaq gather together for a special ceremony held for five members of the community's search and rescue team on Feb. 25. - photo courtesy of Adrian Toomasie |
Feast for search team volunteers
Ceremony marks one-year anniversary since hunters were saved
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, March 3, 2014
QIKIQTARJUAQ/BROUGHTON ISLAND
Five members of Qikiqtarjuaq's search and rescue team were honoured at a ceremony and feast on Feb. 25.
The event was held to commemorate the one-year anniversary since two hunters were rescued after being stranded for almost a week.
The hamlet council, in partnership with other groups such as the hunters and trappers organization, set up a community feast at the Inuksuit School gymnasium and presented members of the rescue team with certificates of appreciation for their efforts.
Mayor Mary Killiktee, who attended the event and gave a speech to the hundreds in attendance, said it was important for the community to thank its volunteers.
"We thanked them for their commitment and the service they provide as volunteers," she said.
"They always work hard and put in a great effort. It doesn't matter to them even if they have to travel a great distance."
Last year, an intensive search was launched on Feb. 22 after two hunters from Qikiqtarjuaq were reported overdue to the community's RCMP detachment.
The pair, who had left the community on Feb. 14, were hunting caribou in the area near Nudlung Fiord, which is approximately 150 kilometres away. The RCMP investigation determined the hunters had become separated from each other after one of their snowmobiles broke down.
One of them walked four days to a hunting camp, arriving on Feb. 22, while the other made his way to a cabin on Feb. 23.
Both were experienced hunters and were found to be in good health.
Jacopie Audlakiak, captain of the search and rescue team for several years, said he enjoyed the ceremony and was happy that one of the hunters was in attendance.
