En route to Aupaluk

Sandy Jaaka and Matthew Arngak are seen en route to Aupaluk during Nunavik’s Ivakkak 2020 dogsled race. The race resumed on Feb 27, after coming to an abrupt halt outside Kangirsuk shortly after it had begun on Feb. 25, following the sudden death of Jaaka’s partner, 24-year old Willia Qullialuk of Kangiqsujuaq. The cause of Qullialuk’s death isn’t yet known but organizers say it wasn’t due to a racing accident. Jaaka decided to continue on with the race and was first joined by his cousin Norman Arnatuk and is now with Arngak for the rest of the race. On Feb. 29, one team dropped out, after Noah Uqituk and Jaanu Jaaka concluded their team was tired and unable to keep up, leaving six teams in this year’s race. This year’s race route skirts along Ungava Bay, passing through the communities of Aupaluk, Tasiujaq and Kuujjuaq before crossing the finish line in Kangiqsualujjuaq. The race was originally expected to take 12 days. (Photo courtesy of Ivakkak)