The excitement was at its peak earlier today on Great Whale River as the first dog teams crossed the finish line. It was not even noon yet when the enthusiastic crowd started shouting “Qimutsiik tikippuuk!”, as the two leading dog teams suddenly appeared at the mouth of the river.
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Junior May, closely followed by Peter Kiatainaq, were the first ones to arrive in Kuujjuaraapik. When they made the turn on the river, the dogs saw the crowd and started running even faster, knowing that they had reached their destination. Shortly after crossing the finish line, they were rolling in the snow, obviously pleased by the crowd’s attention.

Meanwhile, the new Ivakkak champion, Peter Kiatainaq was hoisted up on his sled by his many fans gathered at the finish line to welcome his arrival and acclaim his performance. Moments later, his closest rival and friend, Junior May, was also hoisted up by the admiring crowd. Overall, Junior was only 20 minutes behind Peter, having shared the lead with him for the first portion of the race.

Once all the teams had arrived in Kuujjuaraapik, Makivik President Pita Aatami honoured the three top contenders with their well deserved medals: bronze for Ivakkak’s first ever champion Tamusi Sivuaraapik, who came in third this year; silver for Junior May and gold for Peter Kiatainaq, who was then presented with the much coveted Ivakkak Cup.

Everybody then went in for a warm shower, before further celebrations.

Following the feast held by the community at the end of the day, awards were presented to all the Ivakkak participants as part of a closing ceremony.

For his victorious performance, Peter Kiatainaq was awarded a sum of $3,500 by Makivik Corporation, a 24-foot freighter canoe that was donated by the Federation of the Cooperatives of Northern Quebec (FCNQ), a pair of airplane tickets to Montreal and two night for two at the Dorval Airport Travelodge.

Silver medalist Junior May was also awarded a sum of $2,500 by Makivik Corporation and a 15 Horse Power Four Stroke Yamaha outboard motor donated by Kuujjuaq Motosport, previously known as Pat’s Parts.

Bronze medalist Tamusi Sivuaraapik was also awarded a sum of $1,500 by Makivik Corporation, as well as nice Garmin handheld GPS and accessories donated by Umiak Builders in Kuujjuaq.

Both Junior and Tamusi were also presented with the Sportsmanship Award.

In fourth place, Bobby Novalinga, who arrived in Kuujjuaraapik his dogs tangled with Harry Okpik’s, was also awarded a sum of $1,000, as well as custom-made down parka from Makivik’s subsidiary, Nunavik Creations. Bobby was presented the Dedication Award for the care that he gives his dogs.

Harry Okpik, who came in fifth was also awarded a sum of $500 by Makivik Corporation, as well as camping gear (sleeping bag, Coleman stove and lantern) donated by the Northern Store in Kuujjuaraapik. Harry received the Veteran of the Year Award for his extraordinary performance, having only one leg.

All the other participants also received a participation prize of $250 donated by Makivik Corporation and various awards. Always looking out for others, both Aisara Kenuayuak, who finished sixth, and Simeonie Elijassiapik, who finished thirteenth, received the Fellowship Award. Having abandoned the race last year, following a series of mishaps, Adamie Inukpuk, who finished seventh this year, was presented with the Most Improved Award. In eighth position, Willie Kulula Sr. was also awarded the Dedication Award for the care he gives his dogs. Juusipi Qisiiq, who participated in Ivakkak for the first time and finished ninth, received the Rookie Award. Willie Cain Jr., who finished tenth, and Nutaraaluk Iyaituk, who finished eleventh, were both presented with the Team Spirit Award, always putting the group’s interest before their own. In twelveth place, Matthew Nassak, who is always in good spirits and shows a contagious smile was proclaimed Mr. Congeniality. George Annanack, who finished in fourteenth position, was presented with an Award for Best Effort, and Adamie Qumak, who finished last, with the Perseverance Award.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that Willie Cain Jr. was presented with a special award by the Avataq Cultural Institute. At 19 years of age, Willie is helping to keep the tradition of his elders alive with his beautiful team of huskies. For this, he was awarded $500 and a plaque commemorating his deed.

Each participant also received a plaque from the Kuujjuaraapik Mayor, Lucassie Inukpuk, who wanted to thank them for their much appreciated visit in his community.

The Whapmagoostui Cree Trapper’s Association President , Isaac Masti, also presented nice handmade gifts (mittens, gun cases, bullet bags, etc.) to each of the participants to congratulate them for keeping their cultural traditions strong, the dog teams arrival having brought back good memories of a past not so far behind for the Cree people as well.

All participants and support crew then went on to celebrate the end of their wonderful journey down the Hudson Bay shoreline, from Inukjuak to Kuujjuaraapik.

Congratulations to all!

Rank		Racer		Today’s Time		Total Time
1.		Peter Kiatainaq		2 hrs 57 min 45 sec		28 hrs 20 min 52 sec
2.		Junior May		2 hrs 56 min 51 sec		28 hrs 40 min 16 sec
3.		Tamusi Sivuaraapik		3 hrs 46 min 21 sec		30 hrs 55 min 54 sec
4.		Bobby Novalinga		4 hrs 20 min 28 sec		31 hrs 5 min 36 sec
5.		Harry Okpik		4 hrs 18 min 27 sec		32 hrs 15 min 28 sec
6.		Aisara Kenuayuak		3 hrs 43 min 58 sec		33 hrs 50 min 21 sec
7.		Adamie Inukpuk		4 hrs 2 min 30 sec		33 hrs 56 min 13 sec
8.		Willie Kulula Sr.		3 hrs 42 min 59 sec		34 hrs 28 sec
9.		Juusipi Qisiiq		3 hrs 58 min 52 sec		35 hrs 55 min 24 sec
10.		Willie Cain Jr.		3 hrs 55 min 37 sec		37 hrs 30 min 55 sec
11.		Nutaraaluk Iyaituk		4 hrs 11 min 34 sec		37 hrs 59 min 41 sec
12.		Matthew Nassak		4 hrs 12 min 11 sec		39 hrs 1 min 54 sec
13.		Simeonie Elijassiapik		4 hrs 22 min 42 sec		40 hrs 56 min 22 sec
14.		George Annanack		4 hrs 10 min 10 sec		42 hrs 46 min 2 sec
15.		Adamie Qumak		4 hrs 52 min 10 sec		48 hrs 14 min 29 sec