8 mushers cross the finish line at the Nunavut Quest
Dog sled race covers 500 kilometres from Pond Inlet to Igloolik
Eight mushers competing in the Nunavut Quest crossed the finish line in Igloolik on Wednesday.
The Nunavut Quest, also known as Pangaggujjiniq, is a dog sled race from Pond Inlet to Igloolik that takes place each spring. This year, competitors took eight days to complete the 500-kilometre journey.
The participants in this year's race were Donovan Qaunaq, Tom Naqitarvik, Isaac Irngaut, Joshua Qiliqi Ivalu, Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak, Lee Inuarak, Daniel Inuarak and Aiden Qaunaq.
Lew Phillip, one of the spectators, travelled from Iqaluit to Igloolik to see the dog teams cross the finish line.
"The whole trip was all whiteout everyday while travelling…. Some areas also have a lot of deep snow," Phillip said.
Whiteout conditions forced mushers to stay at camp and rest on Sunday and Monday, but they were met with clear skies in Igloolik when they arrived at the finish.
Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak crossed the finish line first, and was officially announced as the winner on Friday. Joshua Qiliqi Ivalu placed second, and Lee Inuarak came third.
Friday's closing ceremonies included games and a hukki, or square dance competition.
Shanshan Tian has been the timekeeper for the race for the past three years. She was responsible for determining the final results.
"It was an incredible race. Everyone raced incredibly well," she said.
The winner takes home $20,000 in prize money. There is also a $15,000 prize for second place, and $10,000 for third. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association provides the prize money using funding from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.
Tian says the race is about so much more than taking home the prize money. The Nunavut Quest is unique, she says, because it brings together generations of people.
"In the end it really is just a time for people to be together and to be on the land, to share stories, to heal, to be with one another, friends and family from different communities," Tian said.
"It's important to go fast, but it's even more important to go together."
With files from Eli Qaqqasiq-Taqtu.