ATV, ice accident heroes get awards

Nunavut Commissioner Peter Irniq handed out awards for bravery and volunteerism to Nunavummiut from Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove last week, recognizing their efforts above and beyond the call of duty.

In Whale Cove, all those who helped John Adjuk survive a potentially fatal all-terrain vehicle accident received awards: his son-in-law Louis Oklaga, his daughter Irene Oklaga, his grandson David-Leo Kritterdlik Oklaga, and his granddaughter Caitlyn-Elise Oklaga.

On September 18, 2001, while driving on a dangerous part of land near Tasiujarjuaq, John Adjuk become unconscious and lost control of his ATV.

Adjuk was thrown from the vehicle and his head hit a rock, but, as Irniq tells it, his son-in-law removed the machine that landed on top of Adjuk and covered him with a tarp, started a fire to keep him warm, and made bandages from his T-shirt to stop the bleeding from his head wounds.

“He also took charge and gave instructions to his wife and son. His leadership and control contributed in keeping everyone calm and saving his father-in-law.”

Irniq said Adjuk’s daughter Irene also reacted quickly. She followed her husband’s instructions and got back to the tent to radio for help. Receiving no answer, she hopped on her ATV and rushed back to Whale Cove, with her daughter in her amauti.

“She led the rescue team back to where the accident occurred. By remaining calm and acting quickly, she played a major role in saving her father’s life.”

David-Leo, Adjuk’s grandson, also played a role in saving his grandfather’s life, gathering grasses to make a fire and helping his father wrap a band around his grandfather’s head.

“He kept watch over his grandfather, making sure he wouldn’t fall asleep until the help arrived. He took control of his emotions and understood that by staying calm, he could save his grandfather,” Irniq said.

Adjuk’s granddaughter, Caitlin, stayed calm and never got in the way, Irniq said.

“She travelled with her mother on the way to Whale Cove to get help and all the way back again, not fussing through the whole crisis.”

Others who received awards in connection with the handling of this incident were Robert Emard, who “efficiently tended to John’s wounds and installed him comfortably in the back of the truck for the ride back to town,” Stanley Adjuk who “rounded up the nurse and the Rangers and he used his truck to get to the scene,” and Gerard Maktar and Robert Enuapik, who assisted by tending to the radio at the scene.

Jack Angoo, also from Whale Cove, was honoured for rescuing Solomon Voisey on Nov. 11, 1979, who along with his snowmobile, fell through thin ice about a mile from the shore.

Irniq also honoured Solomon Voisey and Eva Voisey “for continuously helping during search and rescue by communicating on the HF Radio and keeping everyone informed.”

In Rankin Inlet, Irniq gave six awards for bravery to people who rescued others from drowning or freezing.

The award recipients included Taina Kubluitok, who rescued Jenny Komaksiutiksak in June, 1988; Peter Kaput who found Betty Gloria Piunquassaq Outchikat out in the cold in February 1991; John Ayaruaq who in 1963 or 1964 rescued Roland Kumaannaaq; Jenny Tootoo, who pulled Lizzie Ittinuar out of the water in 1983; and Margaret and Veronica Papak, who rescued Andrew Kalusiraut Alikashuak in 1987.

Alikashuak had fallen into the water. Stuck under the moving ice, after three tries, he finally managed to climb over a drifting piece of ice. Veronica assisted in saving his life by throwing a 100-foot rope, which he tied around his waist. She then pulled him to the land with Margaret’s assistance.

Irniq also recognized Thomas Suvissak for his efforts to promote community support and suicide prevention awareness.

“He provides countless hours of counseling and passes on the message to think about a goal and give it another try. He passes on to others that their life is valuable. His personal awareness, dedication and selflessness helped saved lives and the example he gives contributes to the wellness of the community.”

The commissioner award for acquisition of special skills went to Jenny Tootoo.

“Mrs. Jenny Tootoo has been sewing sealskin booties and zipper pulls made out of sealskins and duffel, wall hangings with traditional Inuit designs and Arctic animal Inuit dolls, since 1951.”

Irniq praised how Tootoo has passed on her skills to others.

“She is a fine role model for her community and Nunavut,” he said.