In early 2024, Norwegian musher Steffen Skjottelvik embarked on a multi-year sled dog expedition across Canada’s vast northern wilderness, documenting his journey through video diaries. Originally planning to traverse Russia’s Arctic tundra, his route shifted westward after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Skjottelvik began his trek in Ontario, starting from Timmins, where he spent time with local mushers who provided equipment and guidance. Setting out with a small team initially composed of three dogs—including a 6-month-old puppy named Kasin—he intended to gradually expand his dog team by acquiring more huskies along the way. He purchased two adolescent Alaskan huskies in Moosonee, adding them to his team as he headed northward.

Traveling over frozen rivers and snow-covered terrain, Skjottelvik aimed to complete a journey stretching from Ontario to Alaska. He moved deliberately, often at a slow pace dictated by his lightweight and modest sled setup. Employing a plastic toboggan for additional gear capacity, his team consisted of versatile dogs, such as Togo, who trotted alongside without pulling, while others like Sila and Kasin actively pulled the sled. Despite their occasional disputes, the dogs maintained a tight formation during travel, responding with remarkable discipline to Skjottelvik’s commands, even in moments of potential distraction.

Skjottelvik often filmed himself during the expedition, capturing candid reflections on solitude, the bonds with his dogs, and the challenges of wilderness travel. He expressed a desire to preserve these recordings either as a documentary or personal archive. His connection with the dogs was evident in footage showing moments of care and affection, contrasting with his pragmatic efforts to train them for long-distance mushing.

Midway through the trek, Sila, one of his primary sled dogs, fell ill, displaying rapid weight loss and lethargy. Despite Skjottelvik’s efforts to nurse her with boiled fish and later caribou meat supplemented with butter, her condition prompted him to seek assistance. Using his satellite communication device, he contacted the nearest community of Peawanuck, a remote Cree village with fewer than 250 residents located at approximately 55 degrees north latitude. A helicopter retrieved Skjottelvik, his dogs, and equipment, transporting them to the fly-in settlement.

In Peawanuck, although sled dog teams had largely been replaced by modern vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATVs, residents were intrigued by Skjottelvik’s traditional approach to travel. He settled temporarily on a nearby uninhabited island in the river, where he allowed his dogs to roam freely during the warmer months when snow conditions prevented further travel. There, he continued to sustain his team on local resources and maintain connections with community members who shared an appreciation for subsistence living.

Following a period of rest and recovery, Sila regained her strength, and the dog team adapted to life on the island. Skjottelvik continued to document his experiences, sharing insights into the challenges and rewards of his Arctic expedition. Though cautious about the presence of predators such as wolves, he gradually became more comfortable allowing his dogs freedom to explore, likening the role to modern parenting.

Throughout his journey, Skjottelvik demonstrated a deep respect for the wilderness and the traditional ways of life he encountered, reflecting a commitment not only to personal adventure but also to preserving and honoring the skills and lifestyles of northern communities.