Special RCMP Cst. Johnny Karetak’s memorial unveiled in Arviat
RCMP Special Constable (SC) Johnny Karetak was honoured at a special ceremony last month. Karetak died in June 2017 at the age of 87 after serving with the police force for 25 years.
Community members, dignitaries and family of Johnny Karetak gather at the cemetery for the ceremony. Photo courtesy of Vlatko Nikolovski
RCMP Special Constable (SC) Johnny Karetak was honoured at a special ceremony last month. Karetak died in June 2017 at the age of 87 after serving with the police force for 25 years.
“He built a bridge between RCMP and the community,” Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. told Kivalliq News.
Karetak was born in St. John’s, N.L. but moved to Arviat at the age of three and lived there until he passed away four years ago.
Although he was buried in 2017, plans to hold a special ceremony in his honour were on hold until Aug. 17 of this year.
The cross for Karetak’s grave was made from the mast of his Peterhead fishing boat. It has since had a specially engraved gravestone added in front of it.
The following images were taken during the August ceremony.
An old photo of David Aglukark Jr with his parents Rhoda Karetak and Johnny Karetak. Rhoda is currently living in the Elders Centre in Arviat and was not able to attend the ceremony. She is 88 now and it was too cold and rainy for her, especially since she has mobility constraints. Photo courtesy of Nancy Karetak-LindellA picture of the program for the memorial made by Kukik Baker. It is the same front page as the one Baker made for Karetak’s funeral in 2017. The photo for the program was taken by Kukik Karetak. Photo courtesy of Nancy Karetak-LindellDavid Aglukark Jr, left, Jamie Savikataaq, both from Arviat but living in Iqaluit now, Vlatko Nikolovski, and Insp. Winston Shorey, both stationed in Arviat, and Superintendent Marie-Claude Cote pose in front of the headstone with four-year-old Qaritaq Kusugak from Rankin Inlet who is named after Johnny Karetak. Photo courtesy of Nuatii KusugakThe children of Johnny Karetak pose for a photo at the gravesite following the ceremony. From left: Joe Karetak, Emily Tagoona, Nellie Kusugak, Sally Kusugak, Charlotte St John, Selma Eccles and Nancy Karetak-Lindell. Photo courtesy of Aliisa AututNellie Kusugak speaking for the family at the Glad Tidings Church where the reception for the ceremony was held. To her right are Supt. Marie-Claude Cote, left, Insp. Winston Shorey, Vlatko Nikolovski and Premier Joe Savikataaq in the background. Photo courtesy of Aliisa Autut
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