CBC’s Land of Living Stories series showcases tales of community solidarity in various regions of Saskatchewan. In the latest installment, CBC-Radio Canada embarked on a journey to La Ronge, marking the beginning of a series focusing on this community.
Before the sleds set off, a moment of tranquility descends as the hustle and bustle fade away. The essence of the sport is distilled to its core – a musher, a pack of dogs, and a winter path steeped in historical significance.
The Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race, the largest event of its kind in Saskatchewan, is now stationed in La Ronge. Eleven teams braved the biting cold on Tuesday morning for the grueling 322-kilometre qualifier, which spans multiple days.
However, as night fell, the trail conditions worsened, leading organizers to truncate the race by 80 kilometers for safety reasons due to reduced visibility in blowing snow.
For reigning champion Garrick Schmidt, the true narrative revolves around the bond with the dogs rather than the distance or rankings. Schmidt, a Métis from Indian Head, emphasized the dogs’ integral role, referring to them as family members.
Schmidt, who runs Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel, stressed the importance of understanding one’s team deeply in this sport, highlighting that the dogs’ well-being takes precedence over everything else.
Prior to the race, Schmidt adhered to a routine that included smudging his dogs and equipment, aligning with ceremonial Indigenous practices that uphold tradition within daily life.
The race’s significance extends beyond competition, resonating with the ancestral heritage tied to the land and trails. Dexter Mondor, a Métis dog handler in Schmidt’s kennel, emphasized the traditional essence of dog sledding as a mode of historical travel along original freight routes and trap lines.
Mondor, present to support his daughter Monroe Mondor, a 17-year-old contestant in the race, highlighted the familial atmosphere within the mushing community, where mutual aid and camaraderie prevail.
Monroe, competing for the fourth year, transitioned from a handler to a racer, showcasing remarkable progress since her inaugural participation at the age of 13.
Despite challenging weather conditions, Monroe secured the fifth position out of 11 teams, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the race and the perseverance required to finish.
Race marshal Sid Robinson, a seasoned participant in the Canadian Challenge, now prioritizes the well-being of the dogs and teams, especially during adverse weather scenarios.
The competition concluded in the early hours of Thursday, with Jesse Terry from Ontario clinching the first spot at 12:20 a.m. CST, followed closely by his wife Mary England at 12:32 a.m. Schmidt, the previous year’s champion, secured the third position at 1:06 a.m., despite racing with a younger team this time.
As of the current timeline, three mushers are still navigating the trail, with a deadline of 7 p.m. to cross the finish line. The event witnessed a sense of community and shared responsibility among participants, embodying the ethos of putting the dogs first.
This article is part of CBC Saskatchewan’s Land of Living Stories initiative, with upcoming coverage in La Ronge scheduled from March 3 to 7 to capture and share more community narratives.