(May 24, 2012 –Rankin Inlet, Nunavut)  Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today praised the Commissioner of Nunavut, Edna Elias, as well as the group known as the Women in Action for completing their 220-km trek from Bay Chimo to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut in order to demonstrate self-sufficiency and raise funds for cancer research.

“Cancer has affected us all, one way or another” said Towtongie. “This group of women chose to respond to a challenge by emphasizing the positive. They saw an issue and found a positive way to make a personal contribution, and by doing this they improved life for all of us. Their hard work, vision and persistence are an inspiration to us all.

The six-person “Women in Action” group consists of Jeannie Ehaloak, Mayor of Cambridge Bay , Janet Brewster of Iqaluit, Elisabeth Hadlari of Cambridge Bay, Jamie McInnis, Donna Olsen-Hakongak of Cambridge Bay and Edna Elias the Commissioner of Nunavut. President Towtongie has sent personal letters to each participant and authorized a contribution to the Women in Action fund.