The pure-bred Husky dog was nearly extinct in Nunavik. Nowadays, the people mostly travel by snowmobile. Yet, the memories of another time when dogs were man's most reliable partners are not so far behind. In a desire to bring back the dogs to Nunavik, Makivik, a corporation representing the Inuit of Nunavik, organized Nunavik's own dog team race, one that would pass through various communities. With the support of other northern organizations, in 2001, Ivakkak was born. Given its name by Nunavik Governor and old time dog teamer Johnny Watt, the first Ivakkak, an Inuit word that means "when the dogs are at their best pace" would begin on the Hudson Coast, from Umiujaq to Puvirnituq, passing through Inukjuak.
On the morning of the start, excitement peaked on the sea ice, where the whole community of Umiujaq and more were gathered to witness this historical event. Exhilarated, children and teenagers could finally picture the many stories told by their grandfathers, as it would now take place in before their eyes. Admiration shone in their eyes as they watched the dog teamers preparing to depart on a glorious journey, already thinking of the day it would be their turn. The race hadn't even started and already Makivik had reached its goal: these kids might just grow up to raise their own dog team and bring back a millennia-old tradition to the present day modern life of the Inuit.
All in line, waiting for the start to be kicked off, 82 dogs pull on their rope, leaping and yelping, eager to go. At last, the flag is dropped, high up in a bright blue sky as the count down is given: 3, 2, 1... Uit, uit! As the nine teams leave town in this mass start, many recall the grief from when their dogs were killed. But the dogs are back now; these men leaving on their qimutsik have given back the people their dignity.
The race's itinerary followed a route that was once used by dog teamers hired by the Hudson Bay Company to deliver mail between the northern communities and the South. For the men participating in this race against time, it was some sort of pilgrimage on their ancestors' trail. The competition was really just an excuse: most men were just grateful to partake in such an uplifting adventure, sharing a passion with others alike.
As only the Inuit of Nunavik had the privilege to participate in this inaugural event, the everyday en route routine became a real celebration of their culture. Covering an average of 40 miles a day, when the dog teamers reached camp after being alone with their dogs for the most part, they were happy to share a hot cup of tea with fellow Inuit. A support crew already ahead on snowmobiles, the men didn't have to worry about setting up camp or chains for their dogs. Often they would even find fresh game meat or fish waiting for them to feast on, as their snowmobile partners had gone hunting for food along the trail. Every evening was then spent taking care of the dogs, fine tuning the sled runners, checking and repairing equipment. Some would even spend time carving soapstone. When it started to get dark, everybody would gather under a tent and recollect their day's experience together, while planning for the next day. Aside from the snow machines, Coleman stoves and other modern appliances that the Inuit had introduced into their lifestyles, life out on the land was still the same. Out there, these men found peace of mind, connecting with who they really were. Each would ultimately fall asleep to the sound of the dogs howling in the night, dreams filled with joy of a culture still very much alive.
When the dog teams passed through Inukjuak and then reached Puvirnituq, the triumph of this strong culture of the Inuit could be found in the people's happy faces, as they surrounded the dogs and their masters. When 60-year-old Tamusi Sivuaraapik crossed the finish line with his team of fine Inuit dogs, after covering a distance of over 275 miles within a week, the crowd's collective pride gathered at the village edge. The Inuit had shown that no matter how the world would change, their traditions would always survive.
