As the legislative assembly's fall sitting got underway on Oct. 17, Economic Development Minister David Akeeagok and South Baffin MLA David Joanasie gave tributes to a pair of influential Nunavummiut who recently passed away.
photo courtesy of the Nunavut Development Corporation.
Remi Krikort of Kugaaruk was a board member with the Nunavut Development Corporation (NDC) and was formerly a hamlet councillor, chair of the local search and rescue committee, a member of the Nunavut Parks board, and Kugaaruk's representative on the Kitikmeot Inuit Association's community economic development board.
Krikort, who died in September, was a conservation officer under the Government of Nunavut and, before that, the Government of the Northwest Territories.
"Remi was a strong advocate for his beautiful hometown of Kugaaruk," Akeeagok said. "His dry sense of humour was one of a kind. He was wise man, with an abundance of common sense and a no-nonsense view of things. His guidance and input will be missed not only by the NDC board but across the Kitikmeot and Nunavut as well as their families."
'Gift of his music'
Joanasie spoke of Etulu Etidloie's remarkable storytelling through song, which reflected the lives of Inuit from the past and modern day.
"All you had to do was hear his voice and know, and if you have heard his songs, they are
very good," Joanasie said. "I am especially proud that I represent the people of Cape Dorset and it shows the culture and language, and he kept that very strong... I feel for his dear family, especially his two daughters Mary and Alicee and his wife, Letia and all of their family who went through a hard time. I would like to remember him and I would like to thank him for the gift of his music. Even though he has passed away, you can still hear his music."