Advisory Council Announces 2013 Appointments to the Order of Nunavut

IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 18, 2013) - Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council Hunter Tootoo today announced the 2013 appointments to the Order of Nunavut. The Order of Nunavut will be bestowed on Messrs. Jimmy Akavak, Louis Angalak, Sr. and Davidee Arnakak. On January 1, 2010, The Order of Nunavut Act came into force. The objective of the Order is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural, social or economic well-being of Nunavut. The Order is the highest honour of Nunavut and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations or medals conferred by the Government of Nunavut. Jimmy Akavak of Iqaluit served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for approximately 30 years in a number of Nunavut communities prior to his retirement from the force in 2012. Mr. Akavak has been recognized on numerous occasions for his pioneering work in the fields of community policing, victim support and crisis management. Louis Angalak, Sr. of Arviat will be retiring this year from his position as a Culture and Heritage Advisor with the Department of Education. Mr. Angalak has been involved in a number of initiatives to provide on-the-land rehabilitative programming for youth and adult offenders. He has also worked closely with other renowned Elders, including the late Mark Kalluak, who received the Order of Nunavut in 2011, on such initiatives as the Arviat Archaeology and Oral History Project. Davidee Arnakak of Pangnirtung was the founding Chair of the Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society, an activist for the disabled and a former Mayor of Pangnirtung. “This year’s recipients of the Order of Nunavut have each made unique contributions in the fields of community safety, wellness and education,” said Speaker Tootoo. “Their work should be an inspiration to young Nunavummiut who are considering careers that will serve to strengthen our society.” The 2013 investiture ceremony will be held on September 12, 2013, in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly at a time to be announced. The Commissioner of Nunavut will preside over the investitures in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order.