Arctic Bay’s David Oyukuluk winner of 2023 Nunavut Quest

Iqaluit’s Jovan Simic recieves honourable mention

By Trevor Wright Northern News Services Qikiqtaaluk

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, one of the sponsors for the Nunavut Quest, has announced the winners of this year’s Nunavut Quest on April 21.

This year, 12 participants and their dog teams took part in the quest, taking off on a journey from Iglulik to Arctic Bay, trekking roughly 422 kilometres over nine days. The winners of this year’s Nunavut Quest are as follows:

- First place: David Oyukuluk, 41:01:31

- Second place: Terry Uyarak, 42: 24:28

- Third place: Joshua Hauli, 45:13:19

- Fourth place: Donovan Qaunaq, 46:29:23

- Fifth place: Lee Inuarak, 48:27:42

- Sixth place: Jonah Qaunaq, 49:26:17

- Seventh place: Jeremy Koonoo, 51:56:47

- Eighth place: Michael Inuarak, 53:24:20

-Ninth place: Apak Taqtu, 55:51:15

- 10th place: Owen Willie, 59:40: 34

- 11th place: Christopher Piugattuk Jovan Simic, a non-Inuk dog musher from Iqaluit, in-eligible for the main competition, received an honourable mention, with a time of 40:16:36.

“The ongoing legacy of the Nunavut Quest embodies the perseverance and abilities Inuit have harnessed and perfected since time immemorial,” said QIA president Olatuk Akesuk.

“Each completed quest proves the (Qikiqtani Truth Commission) milestones are being reinforced and accomplished.”

QIA sponsorship included a country food feast, prize money, gas and oil support for snowmobiles, camp and dog food as well as veterinary services and a snowmobile support team.

Next year’s Nunavut Quest will be taking place from Arctic Bay to Pond Inlet.