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Innu Nation teams unite in bid to improve odds at Cain's Quest

All eight teams from Innu communities in Labrador have formed a united front this year as they prepare for the Cain's Quest snowmobile endurance race.

From routes to spare parts, teams from Natuashish and Sheshatshiu sharing experiences, resources

Terry Roberts · CBC News ·
Four teams from Natuashish and four from Sheshatshiu are combining their efforts and experience in a bid to improve their odds. The racers include, front (l-r) - Max Penashue, Jack Penashue, Didier Malleck, Randy Malleck, Chief Greg Riche, Clarence Nui, Len Riche and Aaron Poker; back - Johnny Riche, Sebastian Riche, Penote Andrew, Atshapi Andrew, John Nui, Manteu Nui, Joachim Nui Jr., and Mark Nui.

Cain's Quest has long been a unifying force in Labrador and this year the biennial snowmobile endurance race has brought together members of the Innu Nation like never before.

For the first time, teams from the Innu communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu have united in a bid to improve their odds at the week-long race across Labrador.

The days of hiding information from each other and hoping for the best with stock sleds are over.

"One of us, maybe, hopefully, will go to the checkered flag," said Aaron Poker of Natuashish, one half of the Innu Hawks racing team.

Jack Penashue of Sheshatshiu is a first-time racer at Cain's Quest. He's one of 16 Innu taking part in the race. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

There are eight Innu teams — four from each community — in a record field of 41 teams, and they have banded together, following a pattern set by groups of other teams at Cain's Quest in order to improve their overall safety and performance.

They've been scouting the best routes, upgrading their machines to make them more durable and competitive, and passing along tips and advice to rookie racers.

We've been ignoring each other for past races. Like little secrets, all that. But this year we want to change it. Work together.- Aaron Poker

All in the spirit of co-operation and unity.

That's quite a contrast from previous races.

"We've been ignoring each other for past races. Like little secrets, all that. But this year we want to change it. Work together," said Poker, whose teammate is another Cain's Quest veteran, Len Riche.

The Labrador Innu are big supporters of Cain's Quest, and openly encourage the most daring and adventurous among them to take part.

Innu Nation Grand Chief Greg Rich is back for his second Cain's Quest as a competitor, and is thrilled that Innu teams have merged their talents and resources.

George Rich is Grand Chief of the Labrador Innu Nation, and one of 16 Innu racers in this year's Cain's Quest snowmobile endurance race. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

"Innu people in the past have always worked together in order to accomplish things. So hopefully Innu people will succeed," he said.

Rich said the strategy is causing a lot of hype in both communities, with an outpouring of support for all eight teams.

It's an all-for-one, one-for-all approach, and Poker hopes it will transcend Cain's Quest.

"Should be a nice example for the kids, for people, right? Working together, both communities," said Poker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Roberts

Reporter

Terry Roberts is a reporter with CBC Newfoundland and Labrador, based in St. John’s. He previously worked for the Telegram, the Compass and the Northern Pen newspapers during a career that began in 1991. He can be reached by email at Terry.Roberts@cbc.ca.

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