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The Larga Baffin family, staff and residents are very saddened by the tragic and accidental drowning

of two of their residents, Solomon Oyukuluk (26 years) and Ian Shooyook (21 years). Ian and Solomon were at Larga Baffin escorting their father and mother respectively, who were in Ottawa, from Arctic Bay, Nunavut, receiving medical care. Both young men were very well liked and respected by those that knew them. We would like to take this opportunity to honor them for the love and commitment they gave to their families. Through an Inuktitut interpreter, Isaac Shooyook (73 years) describes his adopted son as loving him even more when Isaac shared with him that he adopted him as a little boy. Isaac says that when he was in Hospital in Iqaluit, he learned that he would have to come to Ottawa for treatment and that he would need an escort. He chose Ian. He said that this was Ians first trip to the South and he was so excited to be coming to Ottawa. Ian always enjoyed helping his siblings and his mother. Isaac called him an angel, a kind and caring young man. Solomons mother, Tootalie Qangoo (60 years) described her son as a good boy, having a quiet demeanor. Solomon, like Ian, loved his siblings and helping them and his father in any way that he could. Tootalie shared with the interpreter that because she has some accessibility issues, Solomon would pick her up lovingly to get her to where ever she needed to go, saying, thats just the kind of human being he was. Solomon has been an escort on numerous occasions and was well liked by all of the Larga Staff. He was a proud member of the Canadian Rangers for several years and was recently promoted to Corporal. His mother says his favourite part about being a Ranger was being a Sharp Shooter. Tootalie shared a story of an occasion when Solomon was asked to lead his team through rough waters. Though his experience was limited, he recalled the advice his father gave him as young boy on how to read the water and he got through it. The families wish to thank everyone who has been with them throughout this tragic ordeal including, the Larga Baffin Staff, the Ottawa Police Service Dive Team, Victim Crisis Unit and Investigators, the Ottawa Paramedics and Fire Department. They also extend their gratitude to the by-standers who attempted to render assistance. The selflessness demonstrated by them was very much appreciated. They are grateful that they will be able to bring their sons back home with them, honor their lives and lay them to rest. The family thanks the media for respecting their privacy at this time.

Statement from the families as given to the Larga Baffin General Manager, Trudy Metcalfe-Coe.

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