After 28 years with Makivvik, Wildlife Technician Sandy Suppa retired from the Nunavik Research Centre in Kuujjuaq at the end of April.
Acting NRC Director Barrie Ford said that Sandy worked on a number of projects at the centre, with his primary focus being on wildlife disease. He was also actively involved with the Nunavik Trichinella Testing Program.
“He communicates well with hunters and was dedicated to getting results back to communities, often coming in on the weekend to perform analysis of walrus tongues,” Barrie said. Sandy also banded Canada Geese every summer in the Kuujjuaq area, as well as in Aupaluk and Kangirsuk. “Chances are if you have ever caught a goose with a band it was banded by Sandy!” Barrie said.
He described Sandy as a quiet and patient man who is very knowledgeable on the land. “I personally enjoyed setting nets and sampling fish with Sandy on the Kuujjuaq river. Once on a boat trip in Ungava Bay, a heavy fog rolled in. Sandy knew exactly what to do and I was very impressed when the shoreline came into view, and he knew precisely where we were. When boating, I still use the skills and techniques Sandy taught me.”
Makivvik’s VP Department of Environment, Wildlife, and Research Aadmie Delisle Alaku said that in his time working with Sandy, he observed him to be a tremendously humble man of few words – a very quiet, great listener. He has been a great asset to the NRC, Adamie said, and will be greatly missed.
Sandy started working part-time with Makvik back in July 1994 and moved to full-time in November 1996. His last day was on April 30, 2022. Everyone at the Corporation wishes Sandy a happy and well-deserved retirement
