Ivakkak teams off on final stretch of dogsled race
One team has pulled out of the race, leaving eight competitors
Here’s a sight you don’t usually see: Nunavik dogsled teams run alongside power transmission lines in Eeyou Itschee territory, as they head off from Ivakkak’s starting line in Chisasibi on Tuesday, Feb. 26. (Photo courtesy of Makivik Corp.)

Children in Kuujjuaraapik wave flags to welcome Ivakkak dog teams to their community on Friday, March 1. (Photo courtesy of Makivik Corp.)
Ivakkak dogsled teams have made it up the James Bay coast and into Inuit territory, as Nunavik’s annual race moves into its eighth day.
Delayed one day due to bad weather, Ivakkak kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 26, when nine teams left Chisasibi—the southernmost departure the race has seen in its 18-year history.
Though it’s located in Eeyou Istchee, Chisasibi is home to an Inuit population who are registered under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Four days into the race, mushers received a warm welcome from relatives and fans when they pulled into Kuujjuaraapik on Friday, March 1, where teams took a few days of rest.
Originally nine teams registered to compete in this year’s race, from Kuujjuaq, Tasiujaq, Kangiqsujuaq and Puvirnituq. But one team, led by Kuujjuaq musher Johnny May Jr. and his partner Jacob Cain, decided to pull out of the race in Kuujjuaraapik due to injuries that forced the team to pull three dogs.
The remaining eight teams left Kuujjuaraapik on Monday, March 4, en route to Qitjirivik , a camp that marks the half-way point to Umiujaq.
As of March 4, 2018 Ivakkak champions Willie Cain Jr. and Ken Labbe sat in first place, followed by Aloupa Kauki and Nicolas Watt.
If all goes well, race organizers expect Ivakkak to wrap up by the end of the week, when racers are expected to hit the finish line in Inukjuak.
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