This short docu-fiction film illustrates how traditionally dogs were used by the Netsilik Inuit, in winter and summer. We see puppies and sled dogs used as pack animals. Eskimo dogs were also used for hunting, being particularly skilful at sniffing out seal blowholes when deep snow covered the winter sea ice.

The Eskimo dog, the Qimmiq, has been an integral part of northern Canadian life for almost two thousand years. Archival photographs and film footage illustrate how this hard-working purebred was used for hunting, pulling sleds and keeping polar bears at bay. However, by 1975, the breed, decimated by a changing northern lifestyle, was all but extinct. This inspiring documentary shows the dedicated efforts of biologist Dr. William Carpenter to revitalize the strain and how, with support from local Inuit societies, his breeding project has resulted in a growing and once again thriving Qimmiq population.

The story of an icon, the Canadian Inuit Dog; from ancient roots in the Arctic as the working sled dog of the Inuit to its confrontation with modern technological society and sadly, it’s potential demise as a species.

The Inuit Sled Dog International  has for its goal the preservation of this ancient arctic breed in its purest form as a working dog. The efforts of the ISDI are concentrated on restoring the Inuit dog to its native habitat.

If you want to know more about this breed it’s really worth reading.