Nunavut government will help in Resolute Bay’s recovery: Aariak

(updated Aug. 24 at 2:45 p.m.)

People in Resolute Bay have rallied “under very difficult circumstances,” said Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak late Aug. 23, in an interview from the High Arctic community.

Aariak, who flew to Resolute Bay to join Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his brief visit there, also attended a gathering with local residents at the community centre.

Aariak said her “heart was heavy,” thinking about the Aug. 20 crash of First Air 6560 which left 12 dead and three injured.

But she said during her visit to Resolute Bay, she felt the strength of that small community, used to facing adversity on its own.

“People are supporting each other” in Resolute Bay, where Aariak said she felt “a great sense of community.”

They won’t be stopped in their tracks by the tragedy. They want to move on, she said.

Aariak said she was grateful for the presence of the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Rangers participating in the military exercise, Operation Nanook, because they were able to immediately assist in the rescue and recovery efforts after the crash.

It was the first time that Canadian Rangers had dealt with an emergency of that intensity, Aariak said.

Afterwards, because “they know the culture,” they were also able to help people in the community, she said.

“They did their best. I think it was an exercise that really helped put things into perspective” and will assist in emergency planning, she said.

Some close relatives of the injured and killed still need help in dealing with their losses, she said.

Mental health workers with the Government of Nunavut have already arrived in Resolute Bay.

And if people feel they need more help in the the future, the GN will supply that, Aariak vowed.

“We will do what we can,” she said.

Canadian Rangers greet Prime Minister Stephen Harper on his Aug. 23 arrival to Resolute Bay. Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak also flew into Resolute Bay from Iqaluit. (PHOTO BY DEB RANSOM, PMO)