RANKIN INLET
Nunavut Commissioner Nellie Kusugak was greeted by a large hometown crowd when she presented a number of Commissioner awards in Rankin Inlet on Dec. 1.
Allison Irkottee, centre, accepted the Bravery Award on behalf of Nicholas Irkootee who saved Joani Ungalaaq from drowning. At left is Nunavut Commissioner Nellie Kusugak. RCMP Const. Gabrielle Drouin looks on during a commissioner's awards night in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
One of the top highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Nunavut Commissioner's Arts Award to Charlie Panigoniak, an icon among Inuit musicians and songwriters.
Kusugak said the Rankin ceremony went well.
She said she was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who came out for the awards.
"Rankin was due for one of these ceremonies, because it's been a long time since the previous one was held here," said Kusugak.
"I really enjoyed the evening and the people all seemed to, as well."
Kusugak said the awards are important because they mean people are not forgotten for their exploits, and the community pays attention to their accomplishments.
She said the awards show everyone that there are people who go the extra mile in the community.
"People want to recognize them as a way of showing they do appreciate those who volunteer, or who earn bravery awards for their deeds, and it really does make a difference.
"It's good to recognize our volunteers because they're such an essential part of our community and, also, our firefighters, search-and-rescue members, Canadian Rangers and cadets.
"They all contribute to make the community a better place.
"It's also important to recognize people who have passed away, and I'm always hopeful the award will help heal the families left behind by knowing their efforts did not go unnoticed."
Kusugak said it's equally important to recognize the efforts of volunteers today due to the fact it seems to be harder to find people willing to commit their time.
She said communities would suffer greatly without the help of volunteers.
"I always ask what would we do without our volunteers?
"So many programs wouldn't be running without their efforts.
"So the awards are a good way of recognizing it's because of them this community is doing well.
"So many activities happen due to volunteers who give so much of their time, even putting their families second sometimes just to serve their communities."
Kusugak said it was quite enjoyable to present a Bravery Award to a number of youths during the ceremony.
She said anyone, of any age, can save another person's life and, when they do, they should be formally recognized for their efforts.
"The youngest (Qaumaq Matthew Eccles, who helped save Jon Lewis Tagoona and Jessica Eccles from drowning) was only 11 or 12 years old at the time.
"It's quite impressive to see young people who can think fast enough to either do something themselves, to save someone's life, or go get help if they can't do it alone.
"We had quite a few bravery awards this year, and it was nice to be a part of that."
One of the main highlights of the evening was Kusugak presenting the Nunavut Commissioner's Arts Award to Charlie Panigoniak.
It was a touching moment when the iconic Inuit musician received a standing ovation as he made his way back to his seat after accepting the award.
And, in true Panigoniak fashion, he got a huge laugh from the crowd when he hauled out a graduation hat and had Kusugak move its tassel when he received the award.
The award also came with a $10,000 cash prize.
Kusugak said Panigoniak began singing in Inuktitut and never stopped.
She said that's helped keep the Inuit language alive, as well as encouraging so many other artists to sing in Inuktitut.
"Charlie has been, and recognized, everywhere.
"He's been such a great ambassador for Inuit and Nunavut.
"He was always such a pleasure - a real entertainer who always brought such happiness to the audience.
"Through his songs, and telling stories to his audiences, he spoke of humour, hardship, and what life was like as he was growing up."
Kusugak said Panigoniak's style of telling stories with his songwriting really touches people.
She said his songs and stories all come right from his heart.
"We really, really appreciate everything he's done for other musicians, because so many of them say they started their careers because of Charlie Panigoniak.
"His music will live forever, with our grandchildren and great-grandchildren hearing the music of Charlie Panigoniak.
"There was a time we Inuit thought we were limited to so few things, but Charlie really opened the way for Inuit musicians to excel because they believed if Charlie could do it they can do it.
"Charlie was an excellent choice by our selection committee."
