Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: June 22, 1999
• Invested on: September 10, 1999

Peter Taati Airo, M.S.M., Kangirsuk, Que.
Moses Idlout, M.S.M., Inukjuak, Que.
Paulusie Padlayat, M.S.M., Salluit, Que.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

To raise public awareness of suicide amongst Inuit and other Aboriginal peoples in the North, Messrs. Airo, Idlout and Padlayat set out on a "Suicide Awareness Journey". Their 73-day snowmobile trek began on March 3, 1997 in Ivujivik, Quebec, and ended in Salluit, Quebec. The men tested their endurance on a daily basis, and routinely travelled 14 to 18 hours a day to reach isolated Arctic destinations. They visited 35 Arctic communities and covered 8,850 kilometres to speak with the members of the communities on suicide prevention. As a result of their efforts and the willingness of the people of Nunavik and Nunavut, various action and counselling groups have been formed throughout the North to help communities work together to strengthen the family unit.