The return of the Inuit Dogs

The pure-bred Husky dog was nearly extinct in Nunavik. Nowadays, the people mostly travel by snowmobile. Yet, the memories of another time when dogs were man’s most reliable partners are not so far behind. In a desire to bring back the dogs to Nunavik, Makivik, a corporation representing the Inuit of Nunavik, organized Nunavik’s own dog team race, one that would pass through various communities.

With the support of other northern organizations, in 2001, Ivakkak was born. Given its name by Nunavik Governor and old time dog teamer Johnny Watt, the first Ivakkak, an Inuit word that means “when the dogs are at their best pace” would begin on the Hudson Coast, from Umiujaq to Puvirnituq, passing through Inukjuak.

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