If
you have an interest in Inuit Sled Dogs (ISDs) or Inuit culture as it
relates to the history and a better understanding of the keeping and
use of ISDs, the following resources will be of value. They have been
gathered together in one place to offer you a starting point for
researching your needs. Most of the descriptions below each heading
were taken directly from the resource’s web page, as we feel that each
entity is in a better position to describe what it has to offer than if
we were to interpret that.
We
have even included a link to a special page of our own journal, The Fan
Hitch, where even more resources - most of which do not
appear below,
such as book reviews and scientific articles - can be found!
This
list may have overlooked other valuable sources of information and, if
you are aware of some that ought to be included here, by all means,
please contact us with your suggestions.
We
will endeavor to periodically review this list to make sure that all
the links are alive and well and that the basic content of each website
continues to reflect the description offered here.
We
do enjoy hearing from you so please keep in mind that you are still
most welcome to contact us directly if you prefer a one-on-one dialog
to help you find what you’re looking for!
Sue Hamilton
Editor, The Fan Hitch
55 Town Line Road
Harwinton, CT 06791 U.S.A.
qimmiq@snet.net
*
* * Updated: December 2, 2009
Inuit Sled Dog Specific
Inuit Sled
Dog International
ISDI
Mission Statement: The Inuit Sled Dog International (ISDI) has for its
goal the preservation of this ancient arctic breed in its purest form
as a working dog. The ISDI's efforts are concentrated on restoring the
pure Inuit Dog to its native habitat.
Ivakkak
Celebrating
the Inuit culture - Promoting the traditional way of dogsledding and
the return of pure bred Inuit Husky dogs in Nunavik.
Qimmiit
Utirtut (The Dogs Are Back)
The goals of Qimmiit
Utirtut are to:
• Promote the revival of the pure ISD in the
community of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik
• Create a committee to
oversee all aspects of the project
• Attempt to identify
possible pure ISDs that are currently in the community.
•
Work with the Municipal Council and By-law Officer to control the dog
population in the community.
• Work with regional and local
organizations to establish a Musher Support Program.
•
Acquire a variety of pure ISDs from different bloodlines, breed them,
and place them with owners.
The Canadian Inuit Dog: Canada’s
Heritage
Based
on the author Genevieve Montcombroux’s years of experience with the
breed, this book comprises detailed descriptions of its physique,
temperament as well as a nutrition guide. Also documented is how this
beautiful dog, indigenous to Canada, has survived for thousands of
years in the harshest of climates, and yet was very nearly extinct a
mere twenty years ago.
The
Dogs of the Inuit: Companions in Survival
An
excellent view of the Inuit Sled Dog by experienced Inuit Dog
owner/musher, Canadian arctic resident Lynn Peplinski.
The Fan Hitch
articles grouped by subject
matter. Resources are abundant everywhere
within a decade's worth of articles throughout the Journal of the Inuit Sled
Dog International; for example under the publications "Health
and Science" and "Media Reviews" headings.
The Inuit
Dog: Its Provenance, Environment and History
Canadian
arctic resident, ISD owner-breeder for more than 30 years, Ken MacRury
wrote this thesis in completion of his 1991 Master of Philosophy in
Polar Studies degree from Darwin College, the Scott Polar Research
Institute (SPRI), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. It remains
timeless and relevant and is the most comprehensive scientific
publication written about the oldest of all purebred polar dogs.
The
Sirius Patrol
It
is a defence unit that was created in 1950 under administration of the
Danish Defence Command. In 1994 it was placed under control of the
Admiral Danish Fleet. SIRIUS is comprised of 14 soldiers. Twelve are
stationed in the patrol at Daneborg and 2 are located at the Defence
guard in Mestersvig. For four months in the spring and for two months
in the fall, 6 sledge teams, consisting of 2 men, 11 dogs and 1 sledge
each, patrol North and North East Greenland.
Animal Health, Veterinary Services
Canadian Animal Assistance Team, Ontario Chapter
The
Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT), Ontario chapter is a group of
volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technologists and veterinary
assistants dedicated to providing veterinary medicine and humane
education for needy animals. The Ontario Chapter is responsible for
Animal Wellness Projects in remote areas of Eastern Canada, including
including Nunavut and Labrador. CAAT main headquarters is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The Chinook Project
The
Chinook Project, based at the Atlantic Veterinary College, Prince
Edward Island, provides free veterinary care to one isolated community
in Canada's north each summer.
Cultural Organizations,
Traditional Knowledge Sites and Museums
Avataq Cultural Institute: The
Inuit Culture of Nunavik
Avataq
Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting
and promoting the indigenous language and culture of Nunavik Inuit.
How to build a qamutiq (pdf)
Of
the very few web locations where you can learn how to build a
traditional (post animal parts construction materials, though) wooden
qamutiq. This one without a doubt is the best one so far.
Inuit Heritage Trust
The
Inuit Heritage Trust is
an Inuit organization established by and for the Inuit of Nunavut. The
Trust is dedicated to the preservation, enrichment and protection of
Inuit cultural heritage and identity embodied in Nunavut's
archaeological sites, ethnographic resources and traditional place
names. The Trust's activities are based on the principle of respect for
the traditional knowledge and wisdom of our Elders.
Kitikmeot Heritage Society
The
Kitikmeot Heritage Society preserves, promotes and celebrates the
history, culture, language and diversity of the people of the Kitikmeot
region.
Listening to Our
Past
Knowledgeable
elders from different regions of Nunavut were invited to Iqaluit where
interviews with them were conducted in Inuktitut by Nunavut Arctic
College students of the Language and Culture Program. Facilitators with
relevant academic backgrounds guided the students in preparing
questions and conducting research on the content of the interviews.
Students and facilitators engaged in reconstructing Inuit concepts and
practices from a time when their way of life had been less impacted by
foreign influence. The elders being interviewed are some of the last
witnesses of the nomadic lifestyle, when Inuit families lived in
isolated encampments and travelled great distances with their sled
dogs, by umiaq, or on foot.
Pauktuutit
Pauktuutit's
vision is to be a "dynamic, visible, influential and prosperous
organization, supporting Inuit women and providing leadership, voice
and excellence for the betterment of Inuit women, their families and
communities."
Prince of Wales Northern
Heritage Centre
Located
in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, the Prince of Wales
Northern Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving the heritage and
culture of the Inuit, Inuvialuit, Dene, Metis, and non-aboriginal
peoples of the NWT. The Northern Heritage Centre houses the territorial
museum, the NWT Archives, and heritage programs which extend beyond the
walls of the Centre.
Qikiqtani Inuit
Associaton's Inuit Myths
QIA
has developed Inuitmyths.com, to provide a resource for Nunavummiut and
people from around the world who want to learn more about the Inuit
storytelling tradition.
The
Inuit Way, A Guide to Inuit Culture (printed and electronic
publication)
The
Inuit Way has helped a broad range of Canadians gain a
better
understanding and appreciation of our culture. The Inuit Way is
much
more than a simple introduction to traditional Inuit culture. It
provides the reader a starting point for understanding the cultural
underpinnings of modern Inuit. As a people, we have undergone immense
changes in a generation. Despite the many changes our society has
encountered, we retain strong ties to the land and our traditions.
People coming to the north today see Inuit taking part in many aspects
of modern life - working in an office environment, watching hockey on
television, shopping at local stores, making political speeches. What
they may not see at first is that Inuit continue to have a strong,
unique culture that guides us in our everyday life - our close ties to
the land, a dedication to community and a strong sense of
self-reliance.
The University of Guelph (Canada)
Traditional Knowledge Page
Given
the reliance of their culture on the harvest of wildlife, it should
come as no surprise to learn that the Inuit developed a deep
understanding of polar life. They created a practical classification
system for the organisms they encountered, and gained a detailed
knowledge of their seasonal movements and behaviours. They also created
a rich mythology, which often featured Arctic life and was passed down
to each generation through oral tradition. In this section, we provide
an introduction to both their classification system for life and to
some Inuit legends.
Government
Department of Culture,
Language, Elders and Youth (Nunavut)
To
preserve and enhance Nunavut's culture, heritage and languages, and to
provide healthy active living opportunities for Nunavummiut.
Greenland
Home Rule
Greenland
gained Home Rule in 1979. This means that the Greenland Home Rule can
legislate and administrate in almost all issues. The only
exceptions are as follows: the police and the judicial system, defence
and foreign policy.
Kativik Regional Government
The
Kativik Regional Government (KRG) is a public organization created in
1978 pursuant to the Act respecting Northern Villages and the Kativik
Regional Government (Kativik Act) and the James Bay and Northern Québec
Agreement . The KRG has jurisdiction over all the territory of Québec
located north of the 55th parallel, excluding the category IA and IB
lands intended for the Cree community of Whapmagoustui. The KRG has its
head office in Kuujjuaq and offices in each of the region's 13 other
Northern villages. It is a non-ethnic organization governed by the
Kativik Act.
Nunatsiavut Government
As
a regional ethnic government in Newfoundland and Labrador, the
Nunatsiavut Government has many of the responsibilities and rights of
other governments, such as planning for sustainable economic
development, protecting and preserving our Inuit culture and
implementing social programs on behalf of our beneficiaries.
Nunavut
Government
Embracing
both traditional knowledge and values and the new opportunities
presented by technologies like the Internet, the Government of Nunavut
now provides a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of
approximately 29,500 residents.
Official reports regarding Canadian Federal Government vis-a-vis Inuit social/cultural issues, including sled dogs
Regarding the Slaughtering of Nunavik "Qimmiit (Inuit Dogs) from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s"
Submitted by Makivik Corporation
January, 2005 (24 pages – 916 kb)
Interim Report: RCMP Review of Allegations Concerning Inuit Sled Dogs
Submitted
by RCMP Operational Policy Section National Contract Policing Branch
Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Services.
September 22, 2005 (26 pages – 1.2 MB)
Final Report: RCMP Review of Allegations Concerning Inuit Sled Dogs
Submitted
by RCMP Operational Policy Section National Contract Policing Branch
Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Services.
May 30, 2006 (27 pages – 1.4 MB)
Interim Report: Allegations Concerning the Slaughter of Sled Dogs
Submitted by Jean-Jacques Croteau to the Makivik Corporation and the Government of Quebec.
April 15, 2009 (22 pages - 292 kb)
Qikiqtai Truth Commission Preliminary Reports: Updates & Executive Summaries
Prepared for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s Annual General Meeting
October 21, 2009 (71 pages – 796 kb)
Regional,
National, and International Inuit Organizations
Inuit
Circumpolar Conference
Founded
in 1977 by the late Eben Hopson of Barrow, Alaska, the Inuit
Circumpolar Conference (ICC) has flourished and grown into a major
international non-government organization representing approximately
150,000 Inuit of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka (Russia). The
organization holds Consultative Status II at the United Nations. The
principal goals of ICC are:
• strengthen unity
among Inuit of the circumpolar region;
• promote
Inuit rights and interests on an international level;
•
develop and encourage long-term policies that safeguard the Arctic
environment
• seek full and active partnership in the
political, economic, and social development
of circumpolar regions.
Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami
Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), formerly Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, is the
national Inuit organization in Canada, representing four Inuit regions
- Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec), Nunavut, and the
Inuvialuit region in the Northwest Territories.
Founded
in
1971, ITK represents and promotes the interests of Inuit. In its
history, ITK has been effective and successful at advancing Inuit
interests by forging constructive and co-operative relationships with
different levels of government in Canada, notably in the area of
comprehensive land claim settlements, and representing Inuit during the
constitutional talks of the 1980s.
Inuvialuit Regional
Corporation
The
mandate of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is to continually improve
the economic, social and cultural well-being of the Inuvialuit through
the implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and by all other
available means.
Kitikmeot
Inuit Association
The objectives
of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA), under the Nunavut Land Claims
Agreement (NLCA) is to defend, preserve and promote social, cultural
and economic benefits to Inuit of the Kitikmeot Region.
Makivik Corporation
Makivik
is the development corporation mandated to manage the heritage funds of
the Inuit of Nunavik provided for in the James Bay and Northern Quebec
Agreement (JBNQA). Makivik's role includes the administering and
investment of these funds, and in promoting economic growth through the
assistance of the creation of businesses run by Inuit in Nunavik.
Makivik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well
as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in
the communities.
Nunavut Tungavik
Incorporated
NTI is
responsible for the management of all Inuit-Owned Lands in Nunavut and
acts as the advocate of Inuit interests in Nunavut. The organization
also provides a number of programs to Inuit, including support to Inuit
development corporations and community economic development
organizations, an Elders pension plan, a harvester support program, and
a bereavement travel program.
Qikiqtani
Inuit Association
Qikiqtani
Inuit Association (QIA) was formed as a non-profit land claim and
community organization in 1996 and registered as a society in 1997. The
QIA is aimed at representing the interests of the Inuit of the Baffin
Region, High Arctic and Belcher Islands in a fair and democratic way.
QIA does not take the roles of the federal or territorial government,
but works with them and other partners to ensure that Inuit are being
adequately served by these governments.
The Qikiqtani Truth Commission
The
Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) was created by the Qikiqtani Inuit
Association (QIA) in October 2007. The QIA manages land and other
interests of Inuit of the Baffin Region, High Arctic and Belcher
Islands. It created the QTC to investigate facts, interview witnesses,
hold public hearings and to report to the members of QIA and to the
public, the truth surrounding the alleged dog slaughter, relocations,
and other decision-making of the governments up until 1980, and to
consider the effects of these decisions on Inuit culture, economy and
way of life.
The main objective of the Commission is to ensure
an accurate history of the events referred to above. The broader truth
and reconciliation process seeks to promote healing for those who
suffered wrongdoings, as well as to heal relations between Inuit and
the Government by providing an opportunity for uncovering all pertinent
facts and allowing for acknowledgement and forgiveness.
Language
Inuktitut Living
Dictionary
The
term "Living Dictionary" came from Dave Smith, former Chief Information
Officer of Nunavut and Jim Howse of Multilingual E-Data Solutions, the
company that conceived of the project and presented it, in 1999, to a
group of interested parties drawn from the Nunavut government and from
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Innirvik
Translation Services
There
are a number of local dialects of Inuktitut across Nunavut in terms of
the spoken language. For any kind of written translation there are
really only two considerations that are essential: east or west. East
is written in syllabics and West is written in Roman orthography. Words
can be different or 'spelt' differently but both sides would generally
understand each other. It's the writing that causes the major problem.
(This description was provided by mb.)
Tusaalanga Inuktitut
Tusaalanga
is a dynamic website that brings Inuktitut learning to the world wide
web. It was created by the Pirurvik Centre, an Iqaluit-based company
dedicated to enhancing Inuit language, culture and well-being.
Pirurvik's Inuktitut as a Second Language programs offer an innovative
approach to mastering the Inuit language. We focus on teaching
Inuktitut as it is spoken in everyday situations. The Tusaalanga
website contains many of the materials used in our training programs.
The soundfiles it includes are a valuable tool to help learners master
correct pronunciation.
Media
Aboriginal
Peoples Television Network (APTN)
Aboriginal
Peoples Television Network (APTN) is the first and only national
Aboriginal broadcaster in the world, with programming by, for and about
Aboriginal Peoples, to share with all Canadians as well as viewers
around the world. Through documentaries, news magazines, dramas,
entertainment specials, childrens' series, cooking shows and education
programs, APTN offers all Canadians a window into the remarkably
diverse worlds of Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the world.
CBC
North
Features, programs, news, weather, community
in printed, audio and video formats
Inuktitut Magazine
Published
by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuktitut
Magazine is distributed to 52
Inuit communities in Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec),
Nunavut and the Inuvialuit area of the Northwest Territories.The
magazine appears in Inuktitut – both syllabics and Roman orthography –
as well as English and French. In fact, since 1959, Inuktitut has been
Canada's longest-publishing Inuktitut-language periodical.
Isuma
Independent
Inuit filmmakers, our name Isuma means 'to think' – as in Thinking
Productions. Young and old work together to keep our ancestors'
knowledge alive.
Isuma TV
www.isuma.tv
is an internet video portal for indigenous filmmakers, with unique
indigenous-language content available 24/7. Our goal is to help films
and filmmakers reach a wider audience; help audiences see themselves in
their own languages; help communities connect around common concerns;
and help worldwide viewers see indigenous reality from its own point of
view. Isuma.tv is founded by Igloolik Isuma Productions, independent
producers of Atanarjuat
The Fast Runner and The
Journals of Knud
Rasmussen.
Lee
Narraway
Lee
Narraway is a professional photographer and freelance writer whose work
appears in many well-known publications. Although her clients'
assignments take her all over the world, Lee has enjoyed a special
affinity for the Canadian Arctic with which she is intimately familiar
and where she is enormously respected in Nunavut's communities. Lee is
also the official timer of the annual Nunavut Quest traditional sled
dog race. You can see more of Lee's work on her website.
The National Film Board of Canada
The
National Film Board of Canada (NFB), a government agency, was
established in 1938. "The overarching objective of the National Film
Board is to produce and distribute audio-visual works which provoke
discussion and debate on subjects of interest to Canadian audiences and
foreign markets;" The NFB is a repository for a large collection of
outstanding historical productions documenting Inuit hunter/gatherer
existence. Many of these films are for sale and some are even available
for free online viewing.
Nunatsiaq News
Nunavut's
leading newspaper, Nunatsiaq
News is read by most residents every week
for its insightful editorials and hard-hitting news coverage. Its
popular web site contains the full weekly newspaper and archives dating
back to 1995. News from Nunavik is also covered.
Selected Travel and Tourism Sites
Greenland
Guide
This is the travel guide to Greenland: Know
how, travel information, ideas and offers; 2,400 pages about visiting
Greenland.
Mahoosuc Guide Service
Mahoosuc
Guide Service in Newry, Maine, USA is a small family run business with
over twenty years of experience. Owners Kevin Slater and Polly Mahoney
have for over a decade traveled extensively in the Canadian north,
enjoying the company of many Inuit friends, and they are eager to share
this cultural experience with their clients. When the very last Inuit
Sled Dogs were ordered to leave Antarctica back in 1994, Kevin and
Polly were honored to be selected as the facilitators for the dogs'
relocation/"repatriation" to Inukjuaq, Nunavik, Arctic Quebec.
Nunavik Tourism
Association
Nunavik
is Quebec's arctic region. An immense, pristine territory lying north
of the 55th parallel and bordered by Hudson Bay to the west, Hudson
Strait and Ungava Bay to the north and Labrador to the east. Imagine
507,000 square kilometres of truly wild tundra, taiga forest, scenic
mountains, majestic rivers and countless lakes! This unspoiled region
is home to a rich array of plants, fish and other wildlife, each
species uniquely adapted to the North.
Nunavut
Tourism
The official tourism web
site of Nunavut.
The Nunavut Handbook
"The
bible of Arctic travel" is also a comprehensive guide to the Nunavut
territory, with over 300 pages of accurate information by Nunavut's
most expert writers. More than a guidebook, it describes each
community, parks, activities, culture, government and the Inuit
language.
Polar Sea Adventures
Established
in 1989 and based in Pond Inlet, Nunavut in the North Baffin Island
region of Arctic Canada, Polar Sea is one of the world's most northerly
and experienced Arctic operators. The company organizes special
projects and customized trips for clients from all over the world. In
addition to trips and expeditions, Polar Sea provides consulting,
logistics and planning assistance for adventurers, film and
television production companies, photographers and southern based
adventure companies. All of Polar Sea's projects and services are
planned and delivered with the intention of being safe,
environmentally, socially and economically responsible.
Wintergreen
Dogsled Lodge
With
about sixty dogs, Wintergreen's owner, renown polar adventurer Paul
Schurke’s kennel in Ely, Minnesota, USA represents the largest single
population of pure Inuit Sled Dogs in North America and perhaps the
world. If you're looking for hands-on experience with the breed,
Wintergreen, with its mushing journeys of varying length around the
boundary waters region of Minnesota is the place! Wintergreen also
offers clients cultural dogsledding adventures with Inuit in Northwest
Greenland.
Miscellaneous
Sled
Dog Central
Media
inquiries about the Inuit Sled Dog often benefit by exploring some of
the basics of mushing. Sled Dog Central is a portal into this world and
provides "access to sled dog products and information for all levels of
mushing experience, across the spectrum of mushing activities".