KUUJJUAQ, QC – March 5, 2018 – Ivakkak 2018 is the 17th edition of the Nunavik dogsled race. This year’s route will head north along the western coast of the Ungava Bay starting in Tasiujaq on Monday March 19, 2018 and will end in Kangiqsujuaq. The race will make village stops in Aupaluk, Kangirsuk and Quaqtaq. If all goes well the race is expected to end on March 28, 2018.
Thanks to new Ivakkak sponsorship, each village stop along the route will host activities. The Nunaturlik Landholding Corporation and the Northern Village of Kangiqsujuaq are working hard to plan special activities for the finish line celebration.
New to Ivakkak this year is a Facebook contest. When one shares the contest post they automatically enter themselves into the draw for a chance to win a trip to Kangiqsujuaq to attend the Ivakkak finish line. It includes accommodation for three nights and food allowance. This is open to Quebec residents over the age of 18. The contest ends on Friday March 9, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the URL: http://www.ivakkak.com/contest/
The 2018 Ivakkak Coordinator is Andrew Epoo, while Charlie Alaku is the Trail Coordinator and Johnny Oovaut is the Race Marshal. This of course includes Ivakakk officials, a veterinarian, scouts and support crew members who all make sure the race participants are safe and that the race is fair.
“There are newcomers to the race. Some of our veteran racers did not register this year. The newcomers to Ivakkak 2018 illustrate that many Nunavimmiut are building teams and raising dogs. We grow prouder every year as we have brought back this tradition that was nearly lost decades ago. I am proud to see the support we are getting from our partners as this is an important annual event and we hope we can continually grow and expand Ivakkak,” said Andy Moorhouse, Vice-President of Makivvik responsible for Economic Development (including Ivakkak).
Last year’s Ivakkak winners were Aisa Surusilak in first place, Peter ‘Boy’ Ittukallak in second place and Willie Cain Jr. in third place. Live tracking for the race will be made available through our website: http://www.ivakkak.com
For this year’s race, there are 12 teams registered from across Nunavik. They are:
Team 1: Johnny Jr. May and Jacob Cain Snowball of Kuujjuaq
Team 2: George Kauki and Ronald Ningiuruvik Turner of Kuujjuaq
Team 3: Aloupa Kauki and Jimmy Kauki of Kuujjuaq
Team 4: Matthew Arngak and Pauli Qisiiq of Kangiqsujuaq
Team 5: Sandy Jaaka and Alec Aupaluk of Kangiqsujuaq
Team 6: Willie Cain Jr. and Ken Lebbe of Tasiujaq
Team 7: Aisa Surusilak and Aipilie Qumaluk of Puvirnituq
Team 8: Jani-Marik Beaulne and Peter Novalinga of Puvirnituq
Team 9: Novalinga Novalinga and Juani Uqaituk of Puvirnituq
Team 10: Peter ‘Boy’ Ittukallak and Eric Ittukallak of Puvirnituq
Team 11: Edua Lucassie and Steven Airo of Kangirsuk
For more information, contact:
Andrew Epoo
Ivakkak Coordinator
Makivvik
Tel. 819-964-2925 x 239
aepoo@makivik.org
www.ivakkak.com
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.