Toonik Tyme organizers ‘tired,’ looking for more volunteers, sponsors
No Kimmirut snowmobile race next year unless somebody else takes over
A snowmobiler finishes the Kimmirut race on April 12 in Iqaluit. The fate of the popular race depends on a business or organization stepping in to take over before next spring, say organizers. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
The volunteers behind Iqaluit’s Toonik Tyme won’t organize its popular snowmobile races to Kimmirut and back next year.
“We’re ready to pass the torch,” said Stephen Johnson, a spokesperson with 123Go!, the non-profit, volunteer-run organization responsible for the 61-year-old spring festival.
“We believe that the racing community is strong enough in its membership and supporters to organize the Kimmirut races in 2027.”
The four-member board, led by president Pitseolak Alainga, has co-ordinated the Kimmirut snowmobile race for the past eight years.
But the volunteer board is “tired,” Alainga said.
“It’s getting harder and harder every year to try and get things going.”
One thing that won’t change is Toonik Tyme’s free access to all its family-friendly events, said board member Robynn Pavia.
“We’re really passionate about youth and elders,” she said.
However, volunteers have families too, Alainga added.
“We all have children and grandchildren and we all have wives and husbands,” he said. “It would be nice to see younger people take over.”
More businesses need to step up and help out on day one, he said, adding that a number of businesses do answer the call.
Canadian North organizes children’s activities and contests, including an annual scavenger hunt.
“We’re so happy for them to be participating every year,” Alainga said.
Combustion Performance Inc. created the oval for this year’s children’s races, and Tom Fitzgerald Construction cleared an ice road and loaned some equipment for the adult races.
The City of Iqaluit, RCMP, Dominix Fire Protection & Services Inc., RL Hanson Construction Ltd., and Apex Quickstop also helped out.
This isn’t the first time Alainga has hinted at wanting a succession plan for the festival. In 2024, after receiving a Canada Post grant for Toonik Tyme, he told Nunatsiaq News he is looking for the younger generation to take the reins.
Alainga said he might step down as board president this year, depending on how many people join the board.
“That’s where we’re at right now,” he said.
The board will announce the date of its annual general meeting on Facebook in coming weeks.
When are we going to have a conversation about changing Toonik Tyme’s name? Why is it okay to use the name of the people Inuit pushed off their land as mascots for a spring celebration?
This seems to come up every year. I’d say don’t expect change anytime soon, but there’s a point here. It may change one day when Inuit are finally willing to face their past in the same way they expect others to. That will take a certain maturity we don’t quite see yet.
Avaniiiiiiii
It’s not going to change FYI. Iqalummiuta have no issues with it at all, it’s tied to our Inuit legends history.
This person keeps saying this, I believe it’s just an instigator and who isn’t genuine about it. It’s to entice annoyance.
It’s not going to change and show your name if you’re serious about it.
Thanks 😊
I think someone is tired
I would suggest overhauling 123 Go and creat new membership..there is disconnect between some members of 223 Go and the general public ..lets see the financial statements from past few years..that’s a start