Thanks from the Awa family

Matthias Awa passed away peacefully on Oct. 9 at the Civic hospital in Ottawa. He was 83 years old according to the government records.

Our Dad’s life was full of challenges but somehow he managed to overcome them, which has been a lesson to us that life is not a bed of roses.

During the funeral in Pond Inlet, Mayor Peter Aglak talked about how Dad never complained about the type of work he did for 22 years or more and the mayor mentioned that he barely missed a day. He was told he had to retire even though he could have kept on working. He was a sanitation worker.

His 12 children looked up to their Dad for inspiration and were in amazement at his will to live despite the many hardships he faced.

During his later years, Dad became a very spiritual person. He made new friends that brought out a side his children rarely saw growing up. It was beautiful. Dad always had a big heart but, it was not always easy for him to express his feelings. His “new” life brought out the love and the caring he always had which made us closer to him than ever. And we wished he could live forever.

His six daughters and his sons would like to thank the many people who helped us during our time of grief. There are way too many people to thank so, if we miss anyone, we apologize in advance.

We would first like to thank the Anglican Church of Pond Inlet for the beautiful funeral service, which was a celebration of his long and fulfilling life.

We also want to thank our Dad’s good friends, Caleb Sangoya, Alice and Brenda Panipakochoo, James and Helen Arnatsiaq, Moses Kyak, Joshua and Geboa Arreak, Elisapee Ootoova and many others who shared his spiritual beliefs.

We also thank our Uncle Manuel Akat who flew all the way from Arviat to be with us and we thank his family for being there in spirit.

We also thank our Grandma Hannah Uyaraq of Igloolik who was Dad’s stepmother, but she treated him like her own. We love you and we are so glad you came to be with us.

We gratefully acknowledge the people of Pond Inlet for opening their homes and hearts to the big family that flew up for the funeral and for providing nourishment and love on a daily basis.

We would also like to thank: The Northern Store in Pond Inlet; Toonoonik Sahoonik Co-op; David and Pat Parks; Kigutikaajuk Anaviapik; Travis MacLeod in Ottawa; Joe and Mary Krimmidjuar; Ikey Milton; Mr. and Mrs. Katsak; Olayuk Akesuk and staff; Staff of Mackay Landau; Nancy Karetak-Lindell; Dept. of Environment (NU); Mr. and Mrs. Durdle in NFLD; Office of the Language Commissioner; The staff of CBC North; Peter & Rosie Kilabuk & family of Pangnirtung; Cedar Lodge Hotel in Pond Inlet. (Leo& Myna Maktar, proprietors);

Dept of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (NU); Federation of Nunavut Teachers; Canadian Rangers (Pond Inlet); Pond Inlet Housing Corporation; Hamlet of Pond Inlet; Mike and Dr. Patricia DeMaio in Pond Inlet; and the medical team at the civic hospital (Ottawa).

And thank you to the many people who hugged us and provided support when we ran into them in different places.

It is never easy when you lose a parent or both. Our hearts go out to people that have lost one or both parents, we know what you’ve been through.

Thank you everyone for caring so much. It makes you realize there are so many good people with big hearts.

God Bless you all.

The Awa family: Oopah Qaunaq, James Arvaluk, Martha Arreak, Simon Awa, Jacob Awa, Rhoda Katsak, Solomon Awa, Joanna Awa, Salome Awa, Philip Awa, Ida Awa, and Nery Awa.
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