2008 Iditarod Musher Profile

Warren Palfrey, 32, began running dogs when he was eleven years old in his hometown of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. As a Metis, Warren has always recognized the importance of dog sledding to his people's history. It was natural for him to want to run dogs. Warren started mushing by running a trap line with a team of Siberian huskies, Eskimo dogs, and Alaskan huskies. He now has Northern Star Kennels, home to 55 adult Alaskan huskies and 20 puppies of his own breeding, with an emphasis on the old Alaskan husky lines. We are constantly amazed by the resiliency, the athleticism, and the drive of the Alaskan husky. In 2001, Warren relocated his family and dogs to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dog musher. Since moving to Yellowknife, Warren has competed in races throughout Western Canada and the Western United States participating in the stage races for the last five years. Highlights of the 2006 2007 season were receiving "The Best Cared for Dog Team" awards in two major races, Race to the Sky, 2^nd place, and The Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby, 4^th place. In 2006, Warren was awarded the first Leonard Seppala Heritage grant. This grant is awarded to mushers running the Iditarod for the first time and is awarded on an application basis. The recipient is chosen based on "their commitment to work with, train and race sled dogs, and who demonstrate the qualities of generosity of spirit, courage, integrity and love for the dogs, land and people of Alaska". Running as a rookie in the 2006 Iditarod has only fueled his passion. Warren and the dogs are back for more! "The group of dogs we have are strong, and experienced, and we are all ready for the challenge again." Warren is supported in his Iditarod plans by his wife and handler Kate and their three sons, Sam, 14, Peter, 9, and Jesse, 7. Mushing is a passion for all the family. Our children have been raised knowing our commitment to the sport and share our values on dog care and respect. Everyone helps in the raising of the puppies and the quest for excellence at Northern Star Kennels. We would like to thank all our family and friends for their support! And of course, a big thank you to our best buddies, the dogs! We wish everyone a safe, exciting race. See you on the trails!