John Baker lives in Kotzebue, Alaska which is located on the shores of Alaska’s western coast thirty miles above the Arctic Circle. Baker chooses to live and train his dog team in Arctic Alaska, where the winters are long and the location is remote, perfect for putting that extra competitive edge on him as the dog driver and the dogs he runs with.
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Record-BreakerTeam Baker took 1st place in the 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. They set a new record by completing the race in 8 days; 18 hours; 46 minutes; and 39 seconds – smashing the record by 3 hours. |
Inspiring Role ModelThe Baker family pulled together in March to support Marge Baker as she fought a courageous battle with cancer. John paid tribute to his mother and was “humbled by her strength.” She passed on December 24, 2011, and the family extends heartfelt thanks for all the kindness, prayers, and condolences. Go to: www.alaskapublic.org/2012/01/03/-marge-baker-obituary |
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Endless PossibilitiesA team from the North Slope Borough, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and Team Baker visited the North Slope schools. They motivated students with their collective success stories and conveyed a message about endless possibilities through hard work and dedication. |
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Strength in UnityBaker kicked off the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention with a keynote for 4,000 attendees. He said, “If we are to learn anything from a dog team it is the need to pull together.” He described how one leader can influence the entire team and suggested everyone is needed “for the team to move forward.”
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 Photo by Stephen Nowers - Alaska Dispatch |
Support Each OtherAt the First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference Baker shared his story, a journey with ups and downs, and spoke about learning from mistakes. He attributed his success to support provided to him and suggested, “When we help each other, there’s no stopping any of us from being the best we can be.” |
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Real HeroesAt the National Indian Health Board convention Baker, recognized as a
‘hero’, acknowledged his mother, Marge Baker, and health care providers as
the “real heroes.” He thanked those who cared for his mother at the Alaska
Native Medical Center where he said she was getting “top notch medical
attention.” |
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Humble HeroThe First Alaskans Magazine featured a story about John Baker entitled The Humble Hero. The story suggests Inupiat values such as humility, cooperation, sharing, family, humor, and respect are the foundation of Baker’s success. The article highlights Baker’s commitment to training in the Arctic and describes him as a community advocate. Get the magazine at: |
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Motivational MessagesTelevision ads with Baker's messages about perseverance, leadership and community support were broadcast across Alaska. John suggests, “Too often we see ourselves as victims and the easiest thing to do is give up.” He hopes his story will inspire people to Dream Try Win. |
Sled Dog HistoryQipmigaq (pronounced kip-mi-gak translates to traveling with dogs), operated by Team Baker Tours, promoted the Alaska Native peoples history with sled dogs during the summer months at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. |
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Photo by Heather Aronno |
Youth Leaders Win BigTeck awarded $1.25 million to the Northwest Arctic Borough School District in Baker’s name. Peer support for youth at risk of suicide is an important aspect of the ‘Teck John Baker Youth Leaders Program.’ Baker is proud of the young leaders for positively addressing a complex and difficult issue.
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Help One AnotherBaker, a past high-kick competitor, spoke to the 2011 competitors of the
Native Youth Olympics and said “winning is about trying and never giving
up.” He encouraged the athletes to “Believe in yourself, believe in each
other, and help one another be successful.”
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Photo by Donna Bach
