Ivakkak mushers ready to race

The dog teams competing in Nunavik’s annual Ivakkak race are set to head off next Monday from Quaqtaq on a 575-kilometre course to Ivujivik.

Makivik Corporation first launched the Ivakkak dog team race in 2001 to encourage Nunavimmiut to revive this traditional means of travel, which almost disappeared following the near disappearance of Inuit dogs in the 1950s and 1960s and the introduction of snowmobiles into the region.

The participants in this year’s race should cross the finish line in Ivujivik nine or 10 days after the start, provided that they take a break along the way.

The dog teams are to cover distances of about 50 kilometres each day, and will stop every evening to camp together.

The official race timekeeper, Jackusie Ittukallak from Puvirnituq, will keep track of the times on a daily basis. Each day’s time will be added to tally up the team’s final total time.

Every dog team, with a team from eight to 12 dogs, are to carry all their equipment and food on sled.

A small safety patrol of six snowmobiles will accompany the race.

For Ivakkak 2007, 17 dog teams, with runners aged 15 to 65, have registered from:

* Kangiqsualujjuaq – Daniel Annanack and Leevan Etok;
* Kangiqsujuaq – Peter Kiatainaq and Peter Qisiiq Jr.; Juusipi Qisiiq and Tuniq Koneak; Noah and Elijah Annahatak;
* Kuujjuaq – Junior May and Aqiki Kooktok;
* Puvirnituq – Tamusi and Johnny Sivuaraapik; Novalinga Novalinga and Poasi Kenuajuak; George Nunga and Jackusie Alashuak;
* Kuujjuaq/Tasiujaq – Sandy Saunders and George Kritik Jr.;
* Inukjuak – Adamie Inukpuk and Simon Ningiuk, Zachariasie and Arthur Elijassiapik; Tasijuaq – Willie Cain Jr. and Joseph Cain; Johnny and Sammy Angnatuk;
* Kangirsuk – Etua Lucassie and Stanley Carrier;
* Quaqtaq – Harry Okpik and Billy Keleutak; Willie Kulula Sr. and Putulik Gabriel St.-Cyr Kulula; Johnny Arnatuk and Johnny Tukkiapik.

After crossing the finish line in 2007, the champion and his partner will be presented with the Ivakkak Cup.

The winning team also receives prizes, including household items from the Federation des Cooperatives du Nouveau-Québec, cash from Makivik and airline tickets from First Air and Air Inuit.

Other teams receive cash awards and a choice of merchandise, according to their standings.

Avataq Cultural Institute also presents $500 to the members of one team to honour the memory of the late Nutaraaluk Iyaituk, an Ivakkak participant in past year’s races.

The progress of the race can be followed daily through radio updates on Nunavik’s TNI radio network and CBC North, as well as on the race’s web site, www.ivakkak.com.