This year's Nunavut Quest dog mushing race will see contestants travelling approximately 425 km from Arctic Bay to Iglulik from April 26 to May 3, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) announced on Wednesday.
Last year's event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The QIA will provide $100,000 toward the race. The funds come in association with the Government of Canada's formal apology to Inuit in 2019 for "past colonial practices and policies which radically transformed the Inuit homeland and ways of life," according to the QIA.
“The Nunavut Quest brings Inuit together from across the Qikiqtani region to celebrate,” said QIA President P.J. Akeeagok. “We believe that contributing to the revitalization and celebration of dog team racing is an important step for healing across the region.”
Rhoda Natanine, vice-chair of the Nunavut Quest committee, is pleased with the financial assistance from the QIA and with the resumption of the event.
“I’m very excited for the race to happen, especially because it was cancelled last year,” Natanine said.