Arviat, Nunavut, man awarded medal of bravery for rescue of rescuer

Joe Karetak of Arviat, Nunavut, was awardeda medal of bravery Friday for rescuing a helicopterpilot sent to pluck him and his son from the ice.

Karetakwas one of 36 peopleto receivemedals fromGov.-Gen.David Johnston in Ottawa.

In January 2013, Joe Kayakyuak Karetak Sr. and his son Napayok were hunting sealswhen theirboat started to take on water.They were stranded overnight on an ice floe.

A helicopter was then sent in to rescue them butafter landing on the ice, it started to sink.

Karetak inched his way to the ice edge, extended a harpoon to the pilot and pulled him to safety. The three men were rescued three hours later by a second aircraft.

Deline man honoured for night rescue

Lionel Louisonof Deline, N.W.T., was also among those receiving medals of bravery on Friday.

In September 2012, Louisonran out into Great Bear Lake to rescue asuicidal man who was in danger of drowning.

In darkness,Louisonswam through near-freezing water to the victim. Through rough water, hepulled the man back to the dock, where others helped them get out.