Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to pay tribute to a man from Pangnirtung who was respected throughout the North, but was known elsewhere as well.
Mr. Speaker, I speak of Etuangat Aksayuk who died at his home in Pangnirtung, surrounded by his adoring family on Tuesday, January 16, 1996. Etuangat was elevated to the Order of Canada in November 1995 and made his first and only journey to southern Canada to receive an award from the Governor General.
Mr. Speaker, Etuangat's very long life was remarkable in many ways. Those who knew him, knew he was a man who was remarkable for his spirit, love and compassion for his fellow human beings. Etuangat was a true Inuk: an able hunter, a loving parent and a respectful, humble man. He dedicated most of his life to working with people who needed help, and with the many doctors who have served in Pangnirtung since the early 1930s. He also worked as a guide, translator, hunter; he also hunted for families who were too old to hunt for themselves during the many periods of sickness and epidemic that swept the area.
As Mr. Pearson noted, he was paid very little money for his work, but money never bothered him. He saved many lives. Etuangat made a video tape in which he told stories of his memories of the early whaling days in Cumberland Sound.