Here’s the Star of Courage medal that Canada has posthumously awarded to the late Aaron Gibbons of Arviat. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall)
Arviat hero receives posthumous Star of Courage medal
Aaron Gibbons, 31, died protecting his family from a polar bear attack
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Governor General Julie Payette announced the honour in the Jan. 4 issue of the Canada Gazette, based on the recommendation of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee.
The Star of Courage is awarded to those who perform acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril, the Rideau Hall website says.
For the people of the Kivalliq region, Gibbons will always be remembered as a selfless man who gave his life to save his children.
Gibbons died on July 3, 2018, while harvesting eggs with his children on Sentry Island, about 10 kilometres from Arviat, when an aggressive polar bear approached them.
He put himself between the bear and his family members, and told them to go to the family’s boat and make a radio call for help.
His daughter’s anguished pleas were heard on radio receivers all over Arviat that day.
Gibbon was mauled by the bear before help could arrive. Police and first responders pronounced him dead after they arrived on the island, and another person on the island killed the bear.
His death occurred amidst mounting public safety concerns sparked by growing numbers of polar bears wandering along the western coast of Hudson Bay.
Later that summer, in August 2018, a polar bear killed Darryl Kaunak of Naujaat and injured two others in an incident in Lyon Inlet south of Naujaat.
Rideau Hall has not yet announced a ceremony to award the medal to Gibbons’ family.
They are a brave little family keep strong 💪
I hope this eases the grieving journey for his loved ones, knowing his bravery and sacrifice is recognized: “for there is no greater love than to give one’s life for another ». Rest In Peace, and love to and prayers for his family.
i was so shocked, that my nephew was protecting, & was along with them, after that i wanted to be there & kill polar bear, Aaron was my sisters brother inlaw, my nephew arsene gibbons was watching & protecting kids, while attacked by polar bear, it was like times come & go in 1 day fast. i don’t want to think about this, Aaron gibbons was a friend always, i thanks government of canada, will 1’s again remembers & give award.
The grief, love for him and his family went on my head, and than I felt my heart pouring out blood inside me as it seem it was so dry and small. I feel his strong courage to safe his family. It feels good to be Inuk. Mary