Tributes to Ningark
Community at the heart of all of former MLA's work
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, November 21, 2016
KUGAARUK
Nunavut politician John Ningark's last prayer was a gesture of love and wisdom, said Fr. Bogdan Osiecki of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Kugaaruk.
His pastor said Mr. Ningark was "grateful for his life, for his family, and for his faith." - |
"He said to keep up the faith, to keep up the family and to use every moment of life for good," said the family friend and pastor of 16 years, who visited Ningark just five hours before the former MLA passed.
"He repeated that he was grateful for his life, for his family, and for his faith."
The former MLA died around 4:15 a.m. on Nov. 17, his son Vincent Ningark said.
The respected public figure worked at times as a manager of the co-op and as hamlet SAO.
"He contributed to the village throughout his life," said Osiecki. "He was a good singer and musician. He played the guitar and the harmonica. He even wrote his own songs."
Ningark can be heard singing traditional music with his wife Celine in videos posted by George Ningark on YouTube.
Ningark was an MLA in NWT from 1989 to 1999 and after division for the Akulliq riding from 2009 to 2013, which is now known as Netsilik.
Politicians from across the territory extended their sympathy to Ningark's family soon after news of his death spread.
"He knew what was going on in his constituency and was able to speak on behalf of his constituents," said Tagak Curley, who served in the legislative assembly along with Ningark. "He was someone I respect a lot.
"What I appreciate about him is that we shared many Inuit cultural values," Curley said. "Tradition was important and the language was important and as a speaker he was able to use it in the assembly. He was a fair man, one that was rooted in his culture and identity."
Speaker George Qulaut issued a statement on Nov. 17.
"I am saddened today to learn of the passing of former member John Ningark, who represented his constituents for many years with dignity and distinction. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family." The flags of the communities of Naujaat and Kugaaruk were lowered to half-mast at the Legislative Assembly in his honour, as were the national and territorial flags.
Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna posted a statement on social media following the death.
"I am very saddened by the passing of John Ningark and offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He was a true champion of Nunavut.," stated Taptuna.
Ningark was influential in establishing the Tammaaqvik Women's Shelter in the hamlet. Senior administrative officer John Ivey said women travel to the shelter from other communities in the region to live safely and receive needed care.
"He certainly cared about the community and that's why he got elected several terms," said Ivey.
"He was a good role model for Inuit," said Kugaaruk Mayor Stephan Inaksajak. "He was well educated. He helped the community grow."
Funeral plans were planned for 10 a.m. on Nov. 19, to catch the available daylight, Osiecki said on Nov. 18.
Ningark also wrote an occasional column for Nunavut News/North.
