Golden Jubilee Medals presented

Five Nunavimmiut have received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for making significant contributions to their community and Canada.

The commemorative medals were developed by the federal department of heritage to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne.

The recipients are: Elashuk Pauyungie of Salluit, Charlie Sappa Sr. of Umiujaq, and Aani Tulugak, Lucy Amarualik and Alasie Tullaugak of Puvirnituq.

They were presented with the awards in informal ceremonies last week.

Pauyungie received her award for years of service dating back to when she was a child assisting a local missionary. She now works as a regional radio announcer for Taqramiut Nipingat Inc.

Sappa, who has previously worked with youth, received the medal because of his willingness to help others in dangerous situations, calming down people in his community if they were fighting.

Tulugak was chosen for her work with many Puvirnituq organizations including the Inuulitsivik Hospital’s midwifery program.

Amarualik and Tullaugak received their awards for their work as throatsingers, performing traditional Inuit throatsongs around the world.