Nunavut Quest Dog Team Race

Introduction
A committee of five individuals was formed on January 1999 that consisted of His Worship Moses Oyukuluk, Senior Administrative Officer Cecil Marshall, Finance Officer Joeli Qamanirq, Piuyuq Enoogoo, and Myself Niore Iqalukjuak. Our responsibility was to organize festivities in Arctic Bay for the celebration of the creation of Nunavut on the first week of April 1999. Our first meeting was held in late January, and at the time, we had no funds.

In order to get feedback from the general public on what activities they wanted, Piuyuq Enoogoo did a radio show. There were several suggestions such as combined church service, talent show, games on the ice and play production by the Kicking Caribou Theater. Most of these activities were addressed. One activity that our Mayor also suggested was a Dog Team Race to be held from Arctic Bay to Igloolik.

Once we knew what the activities were, we then decided to focus on finding the funds to cover for these activities. We knew most of the funds for the actual events were pretty well covered as there were funds allocated to all Nunavut Communities from Nunavut Implementation Committee for the celebrations of Nunavut.

Fundraising and Funding Attained
Our fundraising for the Dog Team race officially started in the late February 1999. I wrote most of the sponsorship requests while Joeli was constantly on the phone trying to find sponsors as well. Most of the replies from potential sponsors were that they had given large amounts of money to NIC for the celebration of Nunavut and therefore could not give us any money.

By early March, we decided to take the approach of selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the prizes for the race. We bought a Skandic 500 snowmobile from the Northern store in which they reduced the price by taking the fright and GST off. We also obtained two return tickets to Ottawa from First Air at a cost of $500.00 each. We also gave $500.00 as the third prize for the raffle tickets.

We managed to use the Recreation department in attaining a raffle license and we sold tickets in the communities of Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Arctic Bay, Nanisivik, Hall Beach and Igloolik. Sale of the tickets was not as high as we anticipated, but we raised enough money to cover the prizes.

We also obtained funding through the Brighter Futures program in the amount of $9,000.00 to purchase dog food and country food. Locally, we purchased seals, caribou, muktaaq, and fish for the community feast, and also we also purchased aged walrus meat from Iqloolik, which was also for the Community feast.

Our SAO had also submitted a proposal for funds to what was then Resource, Wildlife, Economic Development (REWED) in the amount of $10,000.00 that was approved. We did not use any of this funding for the Dog Team Race prizes; most of this funding was used to purchase items for prizes for games and also to purchase material for gowns for the combined church service. I wanted to clarify this as I think the Minister of Community Government Jack Anawak thought that his Department might have given money towards Dog Team race prizes when in fact that was never the case.

Contribution and Sponsors
By late February, the only funds that we had obtained for the prizes for the Dog Team Race were from the Hamlet of Pond Inlet in the amount of $3,000.00. $500.00 from NTI, $500.00 from QIA, $250.00 from NWMB, $500.00 from QC, $100.00 from Danmax Communications and $150.00 from Nanisivik Mines.

SIR Catalogue also donated 2 limited edition prints, Northern Stores gave us a 20% discount on items we purchase and still do to date. Taqqut Co-op donated a TV, VCR and 3 months free cable and also a 20% discount on items we purchased. First Air gave us 2 reduced airfares to Iqaluit, Ikajutiit HTO donated 2 canvas tents. All these items were door prizes for the fundraising dances that we organized.

Race Dates and Requirements
We set the date for the race to start on April 5, 1999 from Arctic Bay to Igloolik but the race did not depart until April 13, 1999. The rules and regulations were fairly simple; the race was open to anyone and we did not charge any registration fee. Qamutiks were to be 12 to14 feet in length with 10 to 12 dogs and the teams were required to be in the fan hitched type.

Participants were required to bring a sleeping bag, saw and knife, a two-burner camp stove and usual cookware, Participants were also responsible for their own transportation into Arctic Bay, but in the end, we ended up helping some of the participants by purchasing gas for them to go the their hometown.

Arrival of Participants
By late March, some of the Participants started arriving into Arctic Bay. To this point, we had been extremely busy fundraising and also organizing for the games and activities that were to be held. We were exhausted from organizing and fundraising but satisfaction came as we saw all the dog teams that were arriving into Arctic Bay. It was at this point that we realized the willingness of people wanting to participate from other communities in a race using the traditional method.

Media Coverage
Media Coverage of the Dog Team race was covered by the Above & Beyond Magazine, IBC out of Igloolik, and by periodic calls to CBC Radio. We had Lee Narraway of White Lake Ontario as our official timekeeper; she is also a freelance photographer. She took pictures along the way and wrote an article about the race on the Above & Beyond magazine.

Naming of the Race
We really did not know what to call this race but we kept referring to it as the North Baffin Dog Team Race. Lee Narraway interviewed Joeli and myself right before the race, and it was at that point that we decided to call it "The Nunavut Quest". The name we referred to, which was the North Baffin Dog Team Race did not seem right as the race was going from the North of Baffin Island to outside of Baffin Island. Since this race was organized as a celebration of the creation of Nunavut, "Nunavut Quest" felt the best name for the occasion.

Unforeseen Problems
One other thing I wish to mention also is the fact that we ran into a situation where we almost diverted the race to Pond Inlet. We could not figure this out, but up until mid March 1999, we could not get any cooperation from Igloolik. We continually tried to contact the organizers in Igloolik, but to no avail. By mid March, after one of our meeting, and out of concern for the billeting for the participants, I wrote a letter to their Hamlet Council to outline our concerns.

What we couldn't figure out was the fact that all eyes would be on their community, as the race would finish in their community. For some odd reason, we were not getting any cooperation out of the Organizing Team in Igloolik at all.

We made it known to them that we were thinking of diverting the race to Pond Inlet. I guess after they reviewed our letter, they quickly organized themselves, and also committed to donating the $1,000.00 that I had mentioned earlier. One gratifying moment for us was at the conclusion of the race when we heard their Mayor apologizing to us on the radio for not cooperating with us from the beginning.

Consultations with the Participants
Right before the race started, we had a meeting with all the participants and it was at that meeting that we were encouraged to continue holding the race on an annual basis. Participants stressed that this was a form of healing for them. One participant from Pond Inlet stressed that he had not gone to Igloolik since his previous wife passed away and that he was using this race as an excuse to go to Igloolik.

With the encouragement from the participants, we decided to continue the race on an annual basis based on these conditions: That the race rates from Community to Community. That all-participating Community contribute in fundraising. That the rules and regulations be reviewed and applied to best suit the Nunavut Quest.

The reason that we suggested that the race rotate from Community to Community was the fact that we saw this as a form of promoting our Inuit culture. We wanted all Communities to have the first hand experience in viewing the race. We also saw this as a way to promote tourism as whatever media covered this race would surely promote the different landscapes in our region and therefore promote tourism.

Although participants have agreed to have all communities contribute towards the prizes, we have yet to see this to date. The Arctic Bay fundraising team has been the only team that raised all funds required for prizes for the Nunavut Quest since it started in 1999. We anticipate that this will be different in 2002 as Clyde River and Pond Inlet are doing their share of fundraising.

Review of Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations are reviewed after each race. On the first run in 1999, they were fairly simple and were just four (4) at that time. In 2000, the rules and regulations were twenty-one (21). This spring in 2001, they were Twenty-seven (27). For the year 2002, the rules and regulations are up to thirty-two (32) but require a review by all Communities involved. The rules and regulations continue to grow as there are new things coming up with each race.

One of the rules indicates that a penalty of 5 minutes would be added to their time if they leave any garbage behind. In saying that, the campsites are left clean and all garbage is brought into town for disposal into the dump and is not left out on the tundra.

Routes
The route that the race has been on is as follows; in 1999 the race was from Arctic Bay to Igloolik. In 2000 the race was from Pond Inlet to Arctic Bay. In 2001 the race was from Hall Beach via Igloolik to Arctic Bay. 2002's race will start on April 15, 2002 from Clyde River and finish in Pond Inlet.

In Memory of Volunteers
I would also like o mention volunteers who have been a part of the Nunavut Quest but have passed on. In 1999, Philip Oingonn of Arctic Bay volunteered as the ski doo driver for our official timekeeper. He passed on in the summer of 1999 due to cancer related illness. We held a moment of silence in memory of him at the conclusion of this year's race and we had a plaque made to give to his family as show of our appreciation for his valuable contributions.

Isaac Nagmalik of Hall Beach was also a volunteer ski doo driver since the start in 1999. He was a very vocal volunteer and his input is greatly missed. He passed on in late 2000 also of cancer related illness. We also held a moment of silence at the conclusion of this year's race and we had a plaque made to give to his family as a show of our appreciation for his valuable contributions.

Participants
In 1999, the participants for the Nunavut Quest were as follows: Jobie Issigaitok, Olayuk Barnabas and Kalluk Ettuk of Arctic Bay . Jayko Ootoova, Panoele Okango, Mataisie Qaunaq and Joannasie Attarjuat of Pond Inlet. Jushua Illauq, of Clyde River, Herve Paniaq, Natalino Puigatuq and Harry Ittuksarjuat of Igloolik. Jobie Kaernerk, Sam Arnardjuaq and Peter Siakuluk of Hall Beach.

In 2000, the participants were as follows: Jobie Issigaitok, Olayuk Barnabas, and Andrew Taqtu of Arctic Bay. Natalino Piugatuq, Herve Paniaq, Harry Ikiraapik and Ike Ungalaq of Igloolik. Panoele Okango and Jaykolasie Killiktee of Pond Inlet. Junior May of Kuujjuaq Norther Quebec. Sam Arnardjuaq of Hall Beach.

In 2001, the participants were as follows: Jobie Issigaitok, Olayuk Barnabas, Simon Qamanirq, David Kalluk and Andrew Taqtu of Arctic Bay. Panoele Okango, Jaykolasie Killiktee and Sam Omik of Pond Inlet. Peter Krizan of Iqaluit. Herve Paniaq, Natalino Piungatuq and Ike Ungalaq of Igloolik. Solomon Qanatsiaq, and Peter Siakuluk of Hall Beach. David Nuluk and Paul Quviq Maliki of Repulse Bay.

In 2002, the participants were as follows: Jaykopie Avingaq and Samson Qanguq of Igloolik. Panoele Otkanguq, Jaykolasie Killiktee, Joannasie Attarjuat, Jayko Peterloosie and Silas Takawgak of Pond Inlet. Larry Kautuq, Jushua Illauq, Amosie Sivugat, Esa Piungituq, Romeo Palluq and Jason Palluq of Clyde River. Peter Siakuluk of Hall Beach. And Simon Qamaniq of Arctic Bay.

Prizes
The purse in 1999 and 2000 was as follows: $10,000.00 for the fist place winner, $5,000.00 for the second place winner, and $2,500.00 for the third place winner. In 2001 we added a fourth place winner of $1,500.00 to the above prizes. As or 2000, we have also attained prizes for the last leg of the race. Although all participants are awarded according to their time, we decided to add prizes other then the purse that we advertised.

The prizes on the last leg in 2000 were return tickets for two to Ottawa donated by First Air. The second prize was a return ticket for two to anywhere Kenn Borek Air flies. The Northern Stores also donated a $500.00 gift certificate as the third prize. In 2001, the prizes for the last leg were return tickets for two to anywhere First Air flies donated by First Air. The Northern Stores donated $500.00 cash as the second prize, Taqqut Co-op donated a $250.00 gift certificate as the third prize.

Determination of the Winners
The participants are timed from the time they leave the Community to each checkpoint until they reach their destination. The winner is determined by the least amount of time traveled since their departure to their destination. Their times were also totaled adding any penalty they may have had. On the last leg, all participants start at the same time and have a sprint race. The winner for this portion are determined as each participant reaches the finish line.

Winners
The overall fist place winner in 1999 was Jobie Issigaitok of Arctic Bay, second place went to Jobie Kaernerk of Hall Beach and third place went to Sam Arnardjuak of Hall Beach. The overall winner 2000 was Jobie Issigaitok of Arctic Bay. Second place went to Panele Okango of Pond Inlet and third place went to Andrew Taqtu of Arctic Bay. In 2001, Jobie Issigaitok of Arctic Bay came in first once again. Paul Quviq Maliki of Repulse Bay came in second. Sam Omik of Pond Inlet came in third. Panoele Okango of Pond Inlet came in fourth. The overall winner 2002 was Jaykobie Avingaq of Igloolik. Second place went to Panoele Otkanguq of Pond Inlet and the third place went to Larry Kautuq of Clyde River.

For the last leg sprint race in 2000, Jobie Issigaitok won two return tickets to Ottawa. Panele Okango won two return tickets for two to anywhere Kenn Borek Air flies. Herve Paniaq won the $500.00 Northern gift certificate. In 2001, David Kalluk won two return tickets to anywhere First Air flies. Jobie Issigaitok won $500.00 cash donated by Northern Stores. Sam Omik won a $250.00 gift certificate from Taqqut Co-op.

Dances and Door Prizes
In order to raise funds, we hold dances at least once or twice a month. We usually start our fundraising efforts in October and continue on until April. The age limit of the dances is usually from 15 years of age and older. During the dances, we hold games in which the games are open to anyone who wants to participate. Different prizes are awarded to the winners of the games. The dances that we hold gives people of older age a chance to go out and enjoy themselves, and we also promote no usage of alcohol during our dances.

To date, the door prizes that we have given out are as follows:
2 - Skandic 500 Ski Doo's. 1 - Polaris Super Sport 500 Snowmobile. 1 - 4 x 4 350 Honda Four Wheeler. A used 23' Lake Winnipeg Boat with 100 hp Johnson Outboard Motor. 4 Polar Bear Tags. 8 First Air Tickets. 2 - 12'x 14' x 4' Canvas Tents. 2 Space Heaters. 3 T.V's. 2 VCR's. 4 - $2,500.00 worth of free shipping from CanArctic Shipping. 1 - Stainless Steel 22 Magnum Rifle.

Other items unclude 1 DVD player. 2 Video Camera's. 3 Stereo's. 2 Greenlandic Gill Nets. 2 Sewing Machines. 3 - $500.00 worth groceries. 2 sets of Sofa and Love seats. 1 - 12' x 15' rug. 3 Satellite Dishes. 1 Caribou Parka with wind pants. 5 different styles of Kamiks. 7 different styles of Mitts. 2 Ice Augers. An estimate of 25 - $100.00 cash door prizes. 3 Iglutaq's. 2 sets of dishes. 1 Nintendo 64. 1 Playstation. 1 Playstaton 2, and as well as free admissions to our next dances.

Obstacles
The attaining of raffle ticket licenses to fundraise for dog team races is not possible at this time. We learned this earlier in the spring when we approached the raffle ticket issuer in Baker Lake. The view of the License issuer is that the money raised is mainly for one person, when in fact more money goes back into the community.

It is noticeable that more money goes into the Community through the purchase of gas, naphtha, food supplies and as well as through purchase of country food. We feel that a review of how raffle tickets are issued should be done to better suit the needs of our new Territory. Therefore, the view that the money that is raised goes to one person is not true as more then half of the money that is raised goes back into the Community.

The present system makes organization that wish to do fundraising rely on the Government and then at the same time prevents them from raising funds on their own, One thing that was noticeable earlier this spring was that Organizers in the West relied on the Government for assistance in attaining funds, whereas, we have raised the funds necessary to cover the race without any assistance from the Government.

Celebration and Promotion
The style of the dog teams is in the traditional fan hitched style, which promotes our Inuit culture. It is also through this event that we see encouragement with the usage of dog teams. There are starting to raise their own teams. This type of event also promotes celebrations within the Community before or after each race. This event brings everyone together and also gives people an all participating Communities a sense of excitement.

One thing that we also wanted to include was a Music Festival after each conclusion of the race. We held a small one at the conclusion of the race in 2000, but at that time, we were only successful in bringing one performer in from Pond Inlet as Kenn Borek Air gave him a return airfare free of charge. If this ever went ahead, all Communities would have experienced this sort of celebration as the Quest rotates from Community to Community.

Volunteers
As mentioned earlier, the volunteers for the organizing of the Nunavut Quest in 1999 were as follows: Moses Oyukuluk, Cecil Marshall, Piuyuq Enoogoo, Joeli Qamanirq and Niore Iqalukjuak. The volunteers for the organizing of the Nunavut Quest in 2000 were Piuyuq Enoogoo, Joeli Qamanirq, Niore Iqalukjuak, Tommy Kilabuk, Kik Kilabuk, Jonah Oyukuluk, Geela Arnauyumayuq, Andrew Taqtu, Teresa Barnabas and Jobie Atitaq. The volunteers for the organizing of the Nunavut Quest in 2001 were Piuyuq Enoogoo, Joelie Qamaniq, Niore Iqalukjuak, Jonah Oyukuluk, Geela Arnauyumayuq, Andrew Taqtu and Jean Kigutikakjuk.

I would also like to mention our appreciation to Nunavut Youth Consulting, whom has helped us tremendously in our efforts in fundraising. They are a group of youth who volunteer their time in helping out with different activities. They helped us by taking care of the dance admissions. Ron Elliott founded the group consists of Jimmy Enoogoo, Sheba Ejangiaq, Peter Eecheak, Jennifer Alooloo and Teresa Barnabas. We greatly appreciate their efforts and are proud of them, as they are great role models for the youth in Arctic Bay.

Volunteer groups have formed in most Communities in which fundraising is their main goal. Each fundraising team has their own name. Our team here in Arctic Bay is know as Whah Ayie, while the team in Pond Inlet is known as Eparautuq and the team in Clyde River is known as Isuratujukut.

Our recognition and acknowledgement also goes out to the ski doo drivers, their dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated. These are the people that do the hard work such as pitching the tents, preparing dog food, packing up gears and preparing meals. I apologize for not having their names, but they know who they are and their help is tremendously appreciated.

However, two individuals that I would like to mention are John Arnetsiak of Igloolik and Jonah Oyukuluk of Arctic Bay. These two volunteers are the individuals who help in making decisions regarding penalties, or they are there to handle complaints while the race is on. Their role during the race is a heavy one as they handle complaints or hold meetings during the race. John Arnetsiak has been involved since 1999 and Jonah Oyukuluk has been involved since 2000.

Recognition of Sponsors and Contributors
We would also like to recognize sponsors and contributors. It is with their contributions that the race is a success. Support in the beginning was fairly limited mainly due to organizations and businesses contributing to NIC for the Celebration of Nunavut.

We acknowledge the contributions made by First Air since the start of the race as they have contributed four reduced rate airline tickets, and as well as eight airline tickets free of charge. Their contributions in 2000 went further as they contributed four airline tickets to anywhere they fly. They also reduced air fares for people who wish to travel to communities in which the race was starting or finishing at. It is for these reasons that we truly acknowledge the contributions made by First Air.

We acknowledge the contributions made by Northern Stores as they have committed themselves to contributing since our start in 1999. They have given us a discount of 20% on items that we purchase, and have kindly reduced up to $3,500.00 on big-ticket items on two occasions.

We acknowledge the contributions made by CanArctic Shipping as they have also supported our efforts too by donating $2,500.00 worth of free shipping since our start in 1999 and also contributed $500.00 in cash, which went towards the purse.

We also want to mention Kenn Borek Air as they did contribute by giving us six return tickets free of charge as prizes. They also flew Joeli Qamanirq and myself to Pond Inlet and they held their aircraft for three hours while we held a meeting with organizers there and this was free of charge. We appreciate and acknowledge their contribution and we also miss that route as it had its advantages.

We also wish to acknowledge contributions made by NTI, QC, QIA, NWMB, Nanisi Corporations, Hamlet of Arctic Bay, Hamlet of Pond Inlet, Hamlet of Clyde River, and Hamlet of Igloolik as their contributions are also greatly appreciated.

We greatly acknowledge contributions made by local Businesses and Organizations such as Taqqut Co-op, Ikajutiit Hunters and Trappers Organizations, Ikpiaryuk Services, Local RCMP, Nunavut Power Corporations, and Nanisivik Mines.

Recognition of Support
We give our greatest appreciation and acknowledgement to our spouses and family as we spend numerous hours away from them while organizing events. It is with their support and their belief in our ability that we have continued our efforts in fundraising. Our time away from them sometimes test us to a certain extent.

We also give our greatest appreciation to the people of Arctic Bay as their support and encouragement have made the Nunavut Quest a success and reality. We are proud of the fact that a small Community of about 700 has three years in a row raised over $40,000.00 annually. The money raised has gone towards purchase of prizes and the purse for the Nunavut Quest.

Stories Told Along the Trail and Hopes for the Future
All Participants have a story to tell; some of their stories make one laugh. Others tell you of the time where their dogs left them behind and they had to hitch a ride with another participant. This tells of the sportsmanship during the race.

The Nunavut Quest is now an annual event that is a reality. It rotates from Community to Community; perhaps we may see it start from Iqaluit and finish in Arctic Bay one day, but that will be another story.

Return to top

[ Fundraising and Funding Attained ] [ Contribution and Sponsors ] [Race Dates and Requirments ] [ Arrival of Participants ] [ Media Coverage ] [ Naming of the Race ]
[Unforeseen Problems] [ Consultation with the Participants ] [ Review of Rules and Regulations ]
[ Routes ] [In Memory of Volunteers ] [ Participants ] [ Prizes ] [ Determination of the Winners ] [Winners ] [ Dances and Door Prizes ] [ Obstacles ] [ Celebration and Promotion ] [ Volunteers ]
[ Recognition of Sponsors and Contributers ] [ Recognition of Support ]
[ Stories Told Along the Trail and Hopes for the Future ]