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2007 NWT Sled Dog Symposium

Report and photos provided by Carol Beck.

Click on any photo for larger view.

2007 Symposium Speakers
Back Row: Joee Redington, Caroline Griffitts DVM, Tim Hunt DVM, Chuck Gould
Front Row: George Attla, Grant Beck, Dave Poitras

The 2nd annual NWT Dog Sledding Symposium was held in Yellowknife August 18th and 19th, 2007.
Hosted by the NWT Dog Sledding Association, this event is certain to become an annual classic for mushers worldwide. Participants took part in a weekend of world class professional sled dog development. The weekend was headlined by the Living Legend George Attla. Other world class mushers and veterinarians included Joee Redington, son of the father of the Iditarod; Yellowknife’s Mushing Champion Grant Beck; Iditarod Veterinarian Dr. Caroline Griffitts; Veterinarian and Mid-Distance Musher, Dr. Tim Hunt; Long Time Champion Musher and Breeder, Minnesota’s Chuck Gould and panel moderator wellknown NWT Musher Mr. Dave Poitras.

The weekend began on Friday night with a meet and greet event at the Explorer Hotel. Becky Bristow presented her movie “Dog Gone Addiction” and mushers enjoyed a relaxing evening of networking and catching up from last racing season with fellow mushers from Canada and the United States.

Saturday morning the sessions began with enthusiasm as Yellowknife was so proud to host such a highly successful group of individuals for this event.
The day was focused on Breeding and Training panels however the event was carefully crafted to ensure that questions from the delegates were included. The world class lineup of panelists shared their strategies and insights into all of the areas with ease. Delegates attending this symposium were pleased with the openness and articulated responses they received.

Following a full day of inside professional development, Grant Beck brought panelists and friends for some fresh air and fun in his Kawasaki dog training cart.

Saturday evening participants gathered at the Yellowknife Ski Club to enjoy delicious steaks cooked by none other than Champion Musher Grant Beck. Following the dinner Mr. Joee Redington (son of the father of the world famous Iditarod) presented an incredible slide presentation of his father’s life with dogs.

Following the presentation Joee presented a beautiful framed print of his father that he donated to the winner of the raffle to Mr. Mike Baxter of Inuvik who purchased the most tickets an incredible 74!!!

An incredible Sunday evening started with the viewing of “Spirit of the Wind” with George Attla present at Grant and Carol Beck’s house and continued with a surprise belated 74th birthday party for George where the menu included local fresh fish for all caught by IFSS World Cup Mid Distance 2007 Champion Brent Beck. Adults and children joined in on the fun.

Thanks to all who supported our event including Sponsors: Canadian North Airlines, Sport North Federation, Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT, McKay CA, The Explorer Hotel, CKLB Radio, Yellowknife Dog Trotters Association, Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby, Weaver & Devore, Overlander Sports, Kopykat, NorthWestern Air Lease, WLP Enterprises and Beck’s Kennels.

Thanks also to the event volunteers including: Diane Baxter, Mike Baxter, Rebecca Baxter, Marilyn Daigle, Erika Wallbridge, Eryka Perkison, Mary Hunt, Garth Wallbridge and Camille Rourke.

See you next year!
NWT Dog Sledding Association Executive 2007
Elizabeth Ann McKay, President
Carol Beck, Vice-President
Jackie Jacobson, Treasurer
Sylvie Hayotte Rourke, Yellowknife

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