Polar Medal Awarded Posthumously to Widow of Joe Panipakuttuk

On October 16, 1975, Letia Panipakuttuk received the Polar Medal awarded posthumously to her husband, Joe Panipakuttuk of Pond Inlet.

In 1944 the St. Roch stopped Pond Inlet where it was joined by Joe Panipakuttuk, his family, and his dog team.  Panipakuttuk was both guide and hunter on the St. Roch’s voyage through the Northwest Passage, the first time in history a  ship complete the Northwest Passage in both directions.

At the same time as Letia Panipakuttuk received the medal a plaque commemorating the achievements of the St. Roch, and her various crews, was unveiled.

The Polar Medal was authorized in 1857 by Queen Victoria to be awarded to all persons who had taken part in certain expeditions to the Arctic between 1818 and 1855.

RCMP Commissioner M. J. Nadon presenting the Polar Medal to Joe Panipakunuk's widow
Letia at the St. Rock ceremony in Vancouver, October 16, 1975.