The Nunavut Quest starts tomorrow from Pond Inlet and will traverse over north Baffin to Igloolik. The distance is about 394 km.
The annual event is always an exciting time for the participants, volunteers and organizers as it takes months of planning to accomplish the coordination of the event in both starting and finish communities.
The Nunavut Quest began with a vision from Moses Uyukuluk of Arctic Bay. He was the mayor at the time, back when the Nunavut Territory was in the process of being created. Community members were asked about what cultural practices should be revived once the new territory is established and Oyukuluk’s suggested hosting long distance dog team races.
Since the creation of Nunavut in 1999, there have only been two times the races did not happen, due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Fast forward to 2019, The Federal Government apologized to Inuit for the historical wrong doings of dog slaughters and relocations between 1950 to 1975. These dog slaughters carried out by the RCMP nearly paralyzed Inuit as dog teams were the only method of transportation.
The apology compensation allowed QIA to provide annual funding of $100,000.00 to support the Nunavut Quest, in hopes of strengthening and revitalizing dog team programs in the Qikiqtani region.
Each year, more youth are participating in the race and the growing interest for media coverage has been exciting. That was the vision of Moses Oyukuluk, to revive the tradition, pass on the knowledge to youth to keep dog teaming strong, while promoting Inuit knowledge and practices.
The average race time is about seven days, in which timekeepers, camp volunteers and family support follow the racers to ensure teams make it safely to their destination.
When the destination community is reached, there is much cause for celebration and relief. There are community feasts, square dances, mini dog team races as community members and visitors enjoy the end of the race festivities.
The quest also allows family and friends to reunite as they catch up, have fun and talk about the quest.
The annual race, which began with the founding of Nunavut, is now in its 26th year and we couldn’t be prouder!
Starting tomorrow, Nunavut Quest racers will start from Pond Inlet and finish in Igloolik. Follow them on our LIVE tracking map at www.qia.ca/nunavut-quest
Good luck to everyone at the 2025 Nunavut Quest!
