Guests from the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre (OICC) visited Bristol’s Timberland Tours on Saturday, where they experienced dog sledding, traditional meals and more to help connect children with their culture.

Focusing on fostered and adopted Inuit children, the day allowed kids and their guardians to enjoy various activities of the Indigenous culture, as well as various educational opportunities.

Heather Murray, a systems navigator for the Tasinqatigiit program at OICC, said the day was all about building kinship, whether it be for those adopting or fostering Inuit kids.

“We wanted to organize something special,” said Murray. “It’s a little bit of a different experience but I think it will be something special for everybody to participate in and just kind of have a nice, community get together.”

After a brief safety lesson provided by the business owner Denis Rozon – stressing the importance of safe braking and paying attention to the sled ahead – guardians hopped on the runners and tucked their young ones into the sleds as they took off on the trails.

Sure enough, the group were having a blast as the dogs pulled them through the track. While cheers encouraged from the sidelines, smiles plastered on the faces of those gliding past were undeniable proof of the fun had once the dogs took off.

Rozon said he was glad to host so many families at the event, especially as the Inuit culture is so tightly woven with the nature of the dog sledding sport. Though, he had to admit, he was a bit surprised to be teaching them about the ins and outs of sledding.

“They called me and I said, ‘What is this? You invented the sled dogs,’” said Rozon, of speaking to an OICC organizer. “She said, ‘No, no, no. Our parents had sled dogs, we now have snowmobiles.’”

Nonetheless, he was proud to provide the guests this opportunity and knew it’d be a memory they’ll always hold on to.

But that wasn’t the only bit of tradition the group experienced that day, as there was much more to be had.

Murray said they enjoyed a variety of Inuit games and activities when done sledding was being fueled up on a lunch of caribou stew and country food, which is traditional Inuit meats. As well, elders were there to teach about making bannock, a donut-like treat, plus share stories.

“We’re also going to be learning about Inuit snow goggles, the use for those, and we have a craft, too,” she continued, saying they’d have the chance to make their own to use.

These masks were traditional protection for the Inuit people, protecting them from snow blindness. They’re designed to reduce the harsh reflection of sunlight on snow, which can lead to various vision issues.

The OICC offers a wide range of services to Inuit people living in or visiting Ottawa, caring for every age group. With over 70 employees and various programming, their goal is to keep everyone connected and provide a community for any Inuit away from their home.

Pictured, Denis Rozon gives important guidelines and safety procedures for the group, stressing the proper method of stopping the sled.

The Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre brought over 60 guests to Timberland Tours on Saturday, for a day of dog sledding, traditional Inuit meals, crafts and activities. Pictured, Denise Prue, standing, and Andrew Atagootak rip through the course.

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