RANKIN INLET
It was a modest gathering to say goodbye to former Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre executive director George Dunkerley in Rankin Inlet in late 2015, but it made a big impact.
Joachim Ayaruak presents George Dunkerley, left, with a plaque to commemorate his years of service at the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet this past year.- photo courtesy of Joyce Ayaruak |
And that impact was felt as strongly by Dunkerley's longtime friend, Joyce Ayaruak, as it was by the man himself.
Ayaruak has called Rankin home for more than three decades, and she's held a number of job positions during that time.
She has also seen a lot of people come and go.
Ayaruak said over the years, she's known a number of people just like her friend, Dunkerley, who gave pretty much everything they had to the community.
She said Rankin is a small town, and it almost always leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many in the community when someone who gives so much leaves the hamlet without any kind of send-off from those who employed them.
"We're all busy doing our jobs and living our lives, and, sometimes, we don't take the time to thank someone like that for all they do," said Ayaruak.
"That's why, to me, it's so important to recognize those people when they leave.
"It doesn't have to be some big, fancy affair.
"But it should be some kind of public gathering to give people a chance to stop by before they leave and just say thanks, you know."
Ayaruak said a little gratitude can go a long way.
She said people like Dunkerley, and a number of others she's known in Rankin over the years, work tirelessly in the community while it's their home and ask for nothing in return.
"George (Dunkerley) was the kind of person who you could talk to about anything and know it would go no farther.
"And he'd give his opinion, or his advice, on a situation if you asked him to.
"During the little gathering we had for him before he left, so many people took the time to just drop by, say thanks, and wish him all the best in his new beginnings.
"As a community, we know who these people are when they're here and, as a community, we should take a minute to say a simple thank you when they leave.
"I'm so glad that was done for George."
