Recipients risked lives
Northern News Services
Published Monday, May 5, 2014
SALLIQ/CORAL HARBOUR
Four men who risked their lives to rescue a youth stranded on floating sea ice in November 2009 were handed bravery awards by Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias during a ceremony in Coral Harbour March 22.
John Eetuk, John Nakoolak, Moses Nakoolak and Joe Netser used a 22-foot aluminum boat to pluck the stranded person from the sea ice, which had broken off from shore.
Elias awarded the four men the bravery certificates on behalf of Gov. Gen. David Johnston.
She also presented them with medals by the Royal Canadian Humane Association.
Elias presented a total of 11 bravery awards.
The other seven recipients were Joshua Ningeongan, Wesley Siutinuar, Deanna Ell, Kristen Ell and Kidlapik Nakoolak, who also risked their lives by swimming in the strong frigid river to rescue a middle-aged couple pinned under an ATV, elder Annie M. Eetuk, who rescued two five-year-old children from drowning at high tide, and Richard K. Nakoolak, who rescued his grandfather by pulling him out of the water when his ATV became immobile in the river.
"Seeing the grandfather accept the award on behalf of his grandson with tear-filled eyes was very touching," stated Elias in a news release.
"Furthermore, the fact that a group of youth knew what to do at the time when they came upon the emergency situation and co-ordinated themselves in their rescue efforts showed maturity and common sense on their part."
