The dog teams now on their way


After a stormy night, the wind finally calmed down enough for the sky to clear up and the dog teams finally got on their way this morning. Before they left, the mushers and their partner gathered together with the crowd for a prayer to bless their journey ahead. All then went on to harness their dogs, so eager to get going that it was hard to hold them in place. The start was kicked off at 9:30 AM, as the race officials waved the Ivakkak flag to give the first team in line the signal to depart. One by one, at intervals of one minute, the dog teams crossed the starting line, waving goodbye to the crowd that had braved the bitter cold to come and cheer for them as they left Quaqtaq.

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Stay tuned for more news to come tonight, along with this first day’s race results…

Rank Racer Time Total Time
1. Harry Okpik & Billy Keleutak
2. Zachariasie & Arthur Elijassiapik
3. Juusipi Qisiiq & Tuniq Koneak
4. Noah & Elijah Annahatak
5. Junior May & Aqikki Kooktook
6. Willie Cain Jr. & Joseph Cain
7. Adamie Inukpuk & Simon Ningeok
8. George Nunga & Jackusie Alashuak
9. Daniel Annanack & Leevan Etok
10. Peter Kiatainaq & Peter Qisiiq Jr.
11. Johnny & Sammy Angnatuk
12. Johnny Arnatuk & Johnny Tukkiapik
13. George Kritik Jr. & Sammy Ooging
14. Novalinga Novalinga & Poasi Kenuajuak
15. Etua Lucassie & Stanley Tukkiapik

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The return of the Inuit Dogs

At the end of the last century, the pure-breed Husky dog was nearly extinct in Nunavik. Nowadays, Inuit people mostly travel by snowmobile. Yet, the memories of another time when dogs were man’s most reliable partners are not so far behind. Long known to be man’s best friend, dogs were once essential to the survival of Inuit in the merciless arctic environment. In fact, only a few decades ago, sled dogs were a foundation of the Inuit nomadic way of life.

These brave allies were central to seasonal Inuit movements, especially in the winter.Strongly built with a thick fur, huskies can withstand bitterly cold temperatures and are capable of lugging their share of supplies during long hours travelling across the endless tundra. Harnessed to a sled or simply keeping pace alongside their master, dogs made it possible for Inuit to cover great distances in their search for game to provide for their families, and to transport heavy loads (...).

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