GN honours volunteers

SARA ARNATSIAQ

Nunavut’s department of community government and transportation handed out awards last week to people who make time in their lives to volunteer in their communities.

The volunteer service awards were presented in four categories.

The youth volunteer of the year was Jenna Kamingoak of Kugluktuk. Kamingoak is the president of the Kugluktuk Youth Group and has become a role model for many young people in her community.

The adult volunteer of the year was Janine Buckley of Taloyoak. Buckley raised $12,000 so that the community’s soccer team could attend territorial tournaments and super soccer tournaments in Yellowknife.

The team won its first medal game, taking home second place during this month’s super soccer tournament, Buckley said.

The elder volunteer of the year was Marion Bolt of Kugluktuk. Many people consult with Bolt for advice and support. She serves her community by working with the local church, the recreation committee, the women’s group as well as the wellness committee.

The volunteer group of the year award went to Leah Aliyak and Wendy Baker of Rankin Inlet who accepted on behalf of the Rankin Inlet Leaders of Girl Guides of Canada.

“It feels really good because of all the hours that the volunteer guiders put in all throughout the year. They work really hard for the young girls of Rankin Inlet in all age groups,” Aliyak said.

“I think it’s going to motivate some more people in Rankin Inlet to become guiders, because its making a difference in the little girls’ lives.”