Teen Mushers Maintain a Traditional Sport Alive

Dog mushing, a time-honored tradition in many Indigenous cultures, is facing a decline in participation among young people. However, a new generation of teen mushers is stepping up to preserve this demanding yet rewarding sport. Monroe Mondor, 17, and Sophia Johnston, 15, are two such individuals, representing the only young mushers in their respective communities.

The Demands of Mushing

Dog sledding, or mushing, is an incredibly physically and time-intensive sport. Races can extend for 40 hours or more, requiring immense dedication from both the musher and their canine team. Monroe Mondor embodies the core principle of the sport: prioritizing the well-being of the dogs above all else. “The dogs come first,” she told CBC Kids News. “They get fed before you do, they get looked after before you do, they get everything done before you focus on yourself.”

Preserving Tradition

Sophia Johnston, an Inuit teenager from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and Monroe Mondor, a Métis teen from Wawota, Saskatchewan, are actively working to keep the tradition alive and inspire others to join them. Sophia believes the sport offers valuable lessons. “It could teach you a lot about animals and your connection to the tradition,” she said.

How They Got Started

Dog mushing has deep roots in northern and Indigenous communities, historically serving as a vital means of transportation, hunting, and survival. Monroe discovered the sport at age 12 when a dog sled tour operator, Garrick Schmidt, visited her community. She quickly became involved, initially as a dog handler during the Canadian Challenge Sled Dog Race in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and later as a racer. In this year’s 200-mile race, she placed fifth, completing the course in 42 hours.

Sophia’s introduction to mushing came through elders in her community, who are renowned dog mushers. Elder John McLeod became her mentor, teaching her the intricacies of dog training and equipment creation.

A Declining Sport

Despite its cultural significance, mushing faces challenges in attracting younger participants. The Arctic Winter Games removed dog mushing from its program in 2018 due to dwindling participation rates CBC Kids News. The sport’s demands – significant time commitment and resource requirements – pose obstacles for young people balancing work and other responsibilities.

Rankin Inlet elder Harry Towtongie has observed the decline firsthand, noting the loss of experienced mushers over time. “There used to be 30 teams there. There’s probably two or three of us left that were in that area,” he told CBC Radio’s Unreserved.

The Commitment Required

Both Monroe and Sophia acknowledge the sacrifices required to pursue mushing. Monroe describes it as “almost like a job. It’s 24/7. You’re constantly doing things.” During her recent 42-hour race, she prioritized the dogs’ needs – providing bedding, cleaning, and melting snow for water – over her own rest, getting only one hour of sleep during a four-hour break.

Sophia’s daily routine involves checking fish nets to feed her dogs, hunting for caribou, seal, and muskox, and maintaining equipment like cages, fences, and harnesses. She also cares for newborn puppies.

The Rewards of Mushing

Despite the challenges, Monroe and Sophia discover immense value in preserving their cultural heritage. Sophia emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to tradition, even in a modern context. Monroe sees herself as a role model, particularly for young women, in a sport traditionally dominated by men. “For me to be a musher, it inspires younger people — especially the younger girls — that, ‘Hey, you can do this, too.’”