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Pang man honoured for search and rescue work

Poisey Mike received honours from the Canadian Senate in early March.

photo courtesy Ron Ladd
Pangirtung's Poisey Mike was honoured by Senator Dennis Patterson March 9 with a commemorative bronze medal created by the Senate for Canada's 150th anniversary of confederation. From left: Johnny Mike, Senator Dennis Patterson, Poisey Mike, Mayor Stevie Komoartuk and Ena Kullualik.

Senator Dennis Patterson is touring Nunavut communities and honouring 12 Nunavummiut with commemorative bronze medals created by the Senate for Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Pangnirtung MLA Margaret Nakashuk spread the news in the legislative assembly.

"Poisey Mike has been working with the local search and rescue group for 18 years," she said. "I rise to express my pride in him."

Mike has been a part of many rescue and body recovery operations, sometimes working 24/7 shifts in order to ensure the community and all its members and visitors are kept safe, said Patterson.

"He tirelessly continues to volunteer his time and efforts and is currently the coordinator with the Pang SAR.  He is in the process of training and mentoring another coordinator to help share the workload. This is in addition to his current job."