Nunavik’s annual dogsled race takes off Feb. 25

This year’s race departs from Chisasibi and heads north along the Hudson coast, to the race’s finish line in Inukjuak.

Nunavik mushers and their dog teams are gearing up for this year’s Ivakkak race, which kicks off next week, on Feb. 25.

Nunavik’s annual dogsled race is departing earlier and from farther south than ever before in 2019, as teams travel to the race’s starting line in the Cree community of Chisasibi.

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.

There are nine teams registered to compete in this year’s race, from Kuujjuaq, Tasiujaq, Kangiqsujuaq and Puvirnituq.

Dog teams will take off on Feb. 25 and travel north along the Hudson coast, through the communities of Kuujjuaraapik and Umiujaq en route to the finish line in Inukjuak.

If all goes well, the Ivakkak race is expected to last nine days.

Poor weather conditions have delayed the race in recent years, prompting organizers to start the race a month earlier than usual, in hopes of more stable conditions.

The following mushers have registered to compete in Ivakkak 2019:

• Johnny Jr. May and Jacob Cain Snowball from Kuujjuaq
• Aloupa Kauki and Nicolas Watt from Kuujjuaq
• Matthew Arngak and Pauli Qisiiq from Kangiqsujuaq
• Sandy Jaaka and Elijah Qisiiq from Kangiqsujuaq
• Willie Cain Jr. and Ken Labbe from Tasiujaq
• Aisa Surusilak and Carlos Surusilak from Puvirnituq
• Jani-Marik Beaulne and Paulusi Beaulne from Puvirnituq
• Juani Uqaituk and Jackusie Amamatuak from Puvirnituq
• Peter Boy Ittukallak and Eric Ittukallak from Puvirnituq

Makivik Corp. first launched Ivakkak in 2001 to promote the Inuit tradition of dogsledding in the region. This year marks the 18th edition of the race.