Rankin Inlet (May 25/05) - The Qimmuksiqtiit dog-mushing program has come a long way since Dyan Gray trained a young musher for the 2000 Arctic Winter Games.

When Gray left Rankin Inlet, the program was taken over by John Hickes.

Today, anywhere from 10 to 26 kids show up every Saturday to spend a few hours with the dogs.

Hickes says he was impressed by Gray's efforts and realized there was great potential to grow the program.

"The kids' interest, and the availability of my dogs, made me realize the program was a contribution I could make to the youth of the community," says Hickes.

"But it's by no means all about me and my efforts.

"Over the years about 10 people have volunteered their time to go with the kids, help get dog supplies and even bake cookies the kids enjoy at the end of the day."

Hickes says the youth who participate in the program are always supervised by more than one adult at all times.

He says by watching the kids around the dogs today, you could never tell how paranoid they were of the animals when they first began.

"Now they handle the dogs, put on their harness, pet, feed and groom them.

"They also take turns with the less enjoyable task of picking up the poop."

Hickes enjoys seeing the kids learn about respect and responsibility from being around the dogs.

He says it's also a treat to see local youth doing an outside activity that's not destructive.

"We teach them that if you respect a dog, it will love you back unconditionally.

No cigarettes

"We don't allow snuff or cigarettes around and we make sure the kids are all dressed properly.

"Other than their tasks, those are our only rules."

Page Burt has been involved with the Qimmuksiqtiit dog-mushing program since its early days.

She says the adults have seen a lot of positive changes in the youth who have spent time with the dogs.

Teamwork and kindness

"You notice a very clear trends toward teamwork and kindness," says Burt.

"And that's not only toward the dogs, but also toward each other.

"There seems to be something in dogs that brings out the sense of kindness in these kids. "John has been a great source of inspiration for these kids."