Veterans’ Service Recognition Book – Volume 21 46 In 1946, Andrew Ooyoumut was hired by the RCMP as a Special Constable to be a hunter, translator and guide for the regular RCMP members at Baker Lake Northwest Territories (now Nunavut). RCMP members could not have survived in the north without the aid of the Special Constables. On July 21, 1954 and at the age of 37, Andrew drowned in the Kikatavyuk River while helping to catch fish to feed RCMP sled dogs. His death did not receive the attention it deserved and no further recognition of his contributions were forthcoming until many years later Nova Scotia RCMP Veteran’s Association member Clarence Dent, was an active RCMP member in the north at that time and was very familiar with this event. He grieved this loss to his grave as he felt an injustice had occurred in that this Special Constable’s legacy had not been recognized properly. In September 2011, the RCMP recognized Andrew Ooyoumut’s contributions to the Force and his name was added to the RCMP Cenotaph at “Depot” Division and entered into the RCMP Honour Roll, #227. Clarence Dent died before proper recognition of Andrew Ooyoumut in his home community could be realized but he did leave funds behind entrusted to the Nova Scotia RCMP Veterans’ Association to continue his wish. This has resulted in a brass tri-lingual plaque being designed and now in production that will rest in a prominent place within the community of Baker Lake. The plaque will recognize his service with words of gratitude and remembrance. Tribute To S/Constable Andrew Ooyoumut – S/9161 Lest We Forget Source - Deborah Webster, granddaughter of Andrew Ooyoumut S/Constable Andrew Ooyoumut
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