by Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 04/98) - Michael Angottitauruq Sr. says a recent dog race from Gjoa Haven to Taloyoak was a success on many levels.

"What we wanted to do was promote the use of dog teams by the young people," he said. "We got our message across."

Angottitauruq, along with five other racers, participated in the five-day race to Taloyoak and back two weeks ago, said participating in the race was a chance to work his team.

"I was racing just for the pleasure," he said. "I try to use my dog team as much as I can."

Greg Morash, senior administrative officer for the hamlet of Gjoa Haven, said next year's race will be larger and will involve another community. "It's definitely going to become an annual thing," Morash said. "Next year, we would also like to get Pelly Bay involved.

"I think next year you'll also see donation from the other communities."

Morash added that there was a great deal of support from both the business community and the residents of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, and the ability to involve the entire community made the initial planning much easier.

"The event was organized in eight days," he said.

First place in the race was won by Anthony Oogark, who won $5,000. Second-place honors and a cheque for $4,000 was won by George Konana, third and $3,000 by Angottitauruq and fourth place and $2,000 by Tommy Ayuout. While there was prize money involved, Angottitauruq said the most important aspect of the event was the promotion of dog teams as a mode of travel, and to get the young people interested in keeping the tradition alive.

"I'm pretty sure there's going to be some young people who get dog teams together and will compete in next year's race," he said. "As well, they may also start competing in other races.

"They would be working towards self-dependence."

Angottitauruq said that the key to a strong dog team and a successful race is a good partnership between the dogs and the driver.

"It's like taking care of your children," he explained. "You have to treat them as equals -- like you would humans.

"It's a case of knowing each other and what are dos and what are don'ts."

With this year's race over, Angottitauruq said he only needs a few things: "I need five fresh dogs."