We mourn the loss of Williamson and Sperry: NTI, ITK

(updated 10:15 a.m.)

After Bob Williamson and Jack Sperry, both in their 80s and with long histories in the North, died this past weekend, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie sent out a news release on Feb. 13 expressing NTI’s condolences to the Williamson and Sperry families.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this very sad time,” said Towtongie. “Nunavut just lost two legendary men who played critical roles in the development of Nunavut in their unique ways. They were true friends of the Inuit and their commitment and dedication were Inspiring. Bob and Jack both lived in Nunavut for many years and leave a large void in their families and in the hearts of Inuit.”

Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, also sent out a news release Feb. 14 about the “two remarkable Northerners.”

“Inuit have lost two men who gave their adult lives to help Inuit advance in a multitude of ways,” Simon said. “They were both skilled in the Inuit language. Bishop Sperry mastered Inuinnaqtun, while Professor Williamson spoke Inuktitut. The Bishop gave Inuit the Bible translated into our language, while Bob Williamson founded Inuktitut Magazine, which ITK still publishes today.

“I recall Professor Williamson’s testimony at the special hearings on the High Arctic Exiles held by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1992. In the space of a few minutes he was able to communicate the true scope of the fundamental injustice inflicted on Inuit who were relocated to the High Arctic in the 1950s. His words spoke volumes.

“Both men will be greatly missed, but their contributions will live on, and Inuit who still live by oral culture, will pass on stories about Jack and Bob for years to come,” Simon said.