The Kivalliq region was rocked by the sudden death on the land of 21-year-old Jason Panika (Panikaladjuak) of Rankin Inlet this past week.
Panika had been living in Baker Lake and took a snow machine to drive to Rankin Inlet. Panika was under-equipped and sorely lacking in proper clothing to make such a trip at this time of year.
Panika’s Mom, Maggie DK Jones Autut, posted memories to both Qamani’tuaq Qiniqtiit and her Facebook page.
Autut said words are not enough to express her gratitude to the community of Qamani’tuaq. She said she would like to send her family’s sincere thank you to everyone who had their boy in their prayers.
“(Thank you to) people who cooked for the search-and-rescue team (SAR), as well as their families for allowing their loved ones to be able to go out on the land and search,” said Jones Autut. “Also, to all the SAR teams from Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet, as well as the helicopter and Calm Air crew for their assistance and effort during this difficult time of need.
“Also (thanks for) all the donations that were given. If it wasn’t for each and every one of you, this would not have been possible.
“My Jason’s mind will now be at ease and not struggle any more.”
“Theo (Panika), myself, Silu (Autut), our children, Jason’s panik, Jane, family and friends are all so very grateful, from the bottom of our hearts, for all you have done. You will be greatly missed my boy, Jason Panikaladjuak.”
Richard Aksawnee of Qamani’tuaq Qiniqtiit Search and Rescue, had the task of informing loved ones that Jason’s body had been found earlier in the day on Monday, April 22, about 140 km outside of Baker Lake. Panika was found by ground volunteers from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove.
Buffalo Air had joined in on the search to provide air support while on a flight to Iqaluit.
Aksawnee later posted on Facebook at about 5 p.m. to inform the public about Panik’s tragic demise. He wrote that volunteers would like to extend their sincere condolences to family and friends. Searchers would also like to thank anyone who assisted in any way possible, he added.
“Thank you to everyone who prepared food for the volunteers,” posted Aksawnee.
“Also, thank you to the Hamlet of Baker Lake, Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), Buffalo Airways, Calm Air International, Custom Heli, Amaruaq Consulting, Forum Energy, the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Employees Union.
“Thanks to Northern Territories Federation of Labour, JRCC and community members who made their snowmobiles and personal-communication devices available. Also, to the local Canadian Rangers, Baker Lake Prenatal and Nutrition Project, Abluqta Society, Glorious Grads and the Baker Lake Fishing Derby Committee.
“And, last but not least, (thanks to) volunteers from our neighbouring communities for being ready to respond to assist with our search efforts. Again, we send our sincere condolences.”
Search notes:
-An AEM helicopter flew two different grids on Monday, April 22, while Qamani’tuaq Qiniqtiit responders were supported by an AEM chopper on Sunday, April 21.
-On Saturday, April 20, Buffalo Airways provided air support before continuing on to Iqaluit, while a Hercules aircraft flew a grid search.
-On Friday, April 19, early search efforts resulted in a snowmobile being located, but it was not confirmed at the time to be from Panika.
-Calm Air helped numerous times throughout the search while flying back and forth between Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet. Craig Simailak reached out to Calm Air asking them to help with the search. The airline’s president and CEO, Gary Bell, called Simailik on Sunday morning, April 21, to advise him that he directed his flight crews to fly lower than normal, when it was safe to do so, and keep an eye out on the ground in hopes of finding Panika walking.