Memory honoured with gift of camera
Young mother who went back to school a role model
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 27, 2014
KUGAARUK/PELLY BAY
When an unknown man from across the world contacted Adam Krejunark and his wife Sharon saying he wanted to honour the memory of their young son who died Nov. 7, 2011, they thought they were dealing with a computer hacker of some kind.
Australian Bob Carveth wanted to send them a camera, so they could pass it on to another student at Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik.
What the Krejunarks didn't know is that Carveth, known as "Uncle Bob" in several Nunavut schools, has an affection for Nunavummiut and wants to see the young people of the territory stay in school and succeed. He's been sending gifts of cameras, flashlights and batteries for a couple of years.
"I was touched but at the same time, in the first few weeks me and my wife started thinking he was a hacker or something ... until the camera arrived. From there, we started believing him. We started seeing that he really liked to help families out," said Krejunark.
The Krejunark enlisted the help of a couple of teachers, including Fraser Robb.
"(Carveth) wanted to commemorate their son in a way that was positive and supportive," said Robb, who chose four possible student recipients.
The Krejunarks had agreed all four students on the list represented some of Andrew's qualities that should be remembered, such as helping other people, determination and overcoming obstacles.
"But three of four people on the short list were related to Adam. He said, 'I can't pick any of these people.' Fortunately, they had their baby with them who is maybe eight months old," Robb said.
They placed the names in the hat and little Annadrew plucked a name.
During monthly award presentations in the school gym on Oct. 3, Andrew's family presented the camera. It was a very emotional moment for the family and Adam doesn't remember exactly what he said, but Robb does.
"Adam spoke about the importance of remembering people and how important they were, the positive things they brought and not just the sorrow. He also spoke to all the students about how they had supported him and his family during their time of grief. He and his wife were very grateful for the support they had received.
"He said that having gone through that experience, they wanted to share with everyone that there is always someone there who will support you. That was a very, very powerful message coming from him. Adam was clear and direct and very strong."
Then they called out Roseanne Aklah's name.
"She just covered her mouth with her hands. Her hands went right up. She could not believe it."
Aklah, 23, is a young mother who has been in and out of school.
"She has children, a husband and a home and she came back to school this year. So it's very appropriate to show that appreciation for her determination. She's a role model for the rest of our school and the young women in our school," said Robb.
"Don't give up."
Aklah slowly got up and walked to the family. They shared hugs.
Meanwhile, Carveth is still a presence in the Krejunarks' lives.
"He still contacts us every once in a while to see how we're doing," said Krejunark. "He's a really nice guy."
