In April 1848 John Franklin's crews abandoned their ships the Erebus and the Terror trapped in the ice somewhere off the northwest coast of Qikiqtaq or King William Island. When John Rae's 1853-54 expedition reached its northernmost point, discussions between Inuk interpreter William Ulibbaq Jr and local Netsilik Inuit revealed a tragic end to the lost expedition.
Arctic Medal
Octagonal silver medal with Queen Victoria head facing left and inscription "VICTORIA REGINA" on face. Inscription "FOR ARCTIC DISCOVERIES 1818-1855" and sailing ship surrounded by ice on this reverse side. 3 dimensional star between medal and ribbon. Ribbon is silver material. Also displayed presentation box with "Arctic" printed on light blue band. Service medal, first Arctic medal awarded to Thomas Work, Able Seaman on HMS Erebus, lost on the Franklin Expedition of 1845.
Fate of the Franklin Expedition
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir covers the ill-fated Franklin expedition
Recalling the Franklin Expedition
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recalls oral histories of Inuit encountering men from the lost Franklin expedition
Cannibalism
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recounts what John Rae learned from the Inuit
Navy Report
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses the Navy report
Charles Dickens
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recounts Charles Dickens' involvement
John Rae Written Out of History
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir reflects on John Rae being written out of history
Sympathy for Franklin Expedition
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers Rae's view
Gunpowder Horn
A gunpowder horn recovered by John Rae and local Inuit from the lost Franklin Expedition
Franklin Expedition Artefacts
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses Rae tracking down artefacts from the lost Franklin expedition
Searching the Tundra
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recalls a story about her great grandfather Maliki finding something buried in the tundra
Iqungajuk (Wager Dick's) Parents in an Igloo
Iqungajuk (Wager Dick's) parents Tasiuq (left) and Tulugaq (right) in an igloo. Tasiuq is using a bow drill. Image © Mystic Seaport Museum, 1966.339.40.
Searching for the Franklin Ships
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recounts how her great grandparents worked with John Rae on expeditions, including the search for the lost Franklin ships
Iqungajuk (Wager Dick's) Parents in an Igloo
Iqungajuk (Wager Dick's) parents Tasiuq (left) and Tulugaq (right) in an igloo. Tasiuq is using a bow drill. Image © Mystic Seaport Museum, 1966.339.59.
Searching for the Franklin Ships
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recounts how her great grandparents worked with John Rae on expeditions, including the search for the lost Franklin ships
Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco recovered by John Rae and local Inuit from the lost Franklin Expedition.
Franklin Expedition Artefacts
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses Rae tracking down artefacts from the lost Franklin expedition
Searching the Tundra
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recalls a story about her great grandfather Maliki finding something buried in the tundra
John Rae made four major survey expeditions to the Arctic between 1846 and 1854, travelling more than 10,000 miles on foot or by small boat. During this time, he surveyed around 1800 miles of coastline. He was accompanied by around 10 HBC men and a number of Inuit guides, including William Ulibbaq Sr (sometimes spelled 'Ooglibuk') and his son who first joined the expeditions here in Churchill. Illustration courtesy of Hudson’s Bay Company Archives.
John Rae's Snowshoes (one of a pair)
John Rae's snowshoes, made in the Ojibwe or Swampy Cree style with rawhide weaving and pom poms which traditionally helped mask human scent on the trail while hunting. These snowshoes are very large which makes them ideal for carrying heavy weight over long distances.
North West Passage
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses John Rae and the contested discovery of the North West Passage
William Ulibbaq Sr
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper discusses William Ulibbaq Sr, who worked with John Rae
William Ulibbaq Jr
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper discusses William Ulibbaq Jr, who also worked with John Rae
John Rae's Survey Routes
John Rae made four major survey expeditions to the Arctic between 1846 and 1854, travelling more than 10,000 miles on foot or by small boat. During this time, he surveyed around 1800 miles of coastline. He was accompanied by around 10 HBC men and a number of Inuit guides, including William Ulibbaq Sr (sometimes spelled 'Ooglibuk') and his son who first joined the expeditions here in Churchill.
North West Passage
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses John Rae and the contested discovery of the North West Passage
William Ulibbaq Sr
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper discusses William Ulibbaq Sr, who worked with John Rae
William Ulibbaq Jr
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper discusses William Ulibbaq Jr, who also worked with John Rae
John Rae spent some time around the Naujaat or Repulse Bay area between 1846 and 1854 during his time surveying the Arctic regions with his Inuit guides, including William Ulibbaq Jr (sometimes spelled 'Ooglibuk'). He held great respect for indigenous knowledge, and learned a great deal from local Inuit, in particular the skill of auviqsaqtut (cutting blocks to make an iglu or working together to build an iglu in Inuktitut).
Snow Goggles with Visor
Snow goggles were invented by Inuit to reduce the bright glare of the sun on snow, they were quickly adopted by European explorers and traders in the Arctic.
Indigenous Knowledge
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir reflects on John Rae’s respect for Indigenous knowledge
Caching Food
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir notes Rae’s adoption of Indigenous practices like caching food
Bone Snow Knife
Snow knives (pana in Inuktitut), like this large one made from bone, would have been used to cut blocks of snow to make an igluit (in Inuktitut) or snow house or iglu.
Building Fort Hope
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recounts the story of John Rae building Fort Hope
Ruins of Fort Hope
Photograph of 'Fort Hope', Repulse Bay, taken in about 1930. The stone house was built by John Rae in 1846, however, Rae and his party found this European style house very cold and quickly learned to make Inuit style snow-houses from local Inuk. Image from the National Archives of Canada.
Building Fort Hope
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recounts the story of John Rae building Fort Hope
Illustration of a 'Snowhut'
Illustration of the correct way to build a 'Snowhut' by John Rae with text describing its construction using a snow knife (pana in Inuktitut). Image courtesy of Dartmouth College Library, Stefansson collection.
Building Fort Hope
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recounts the story of John Rae building Fort Hope
After graduating medical school, in 1833 John Rae accepted a post on the Hudson's Bay Company ship the Prince of Wales bound for Moose Factory, Ontario. He stayed on and lived in Moose Factory for 10 years working as a surgeon and clerk for HBC. During this time, he learned many skills from the local Cree people including snowshoeing. In turn, Orcadians and Scots often brought fiddles with them on their travels and this new instrument was enthusiastically adopted by many Cree.
John Rae's Fiddle
Four string violin used by John Rae in the arctic. This fiddle was given to his old friend, Willie Robertson of Orphir. Although Rae was not known as a fiddler, he certainly took fiddlers with him on his expeditions.
Fiddle Music
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses shared traditions of music between Canada and Orkney
Métis Dancing
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine discusses the Métis and Cree jig dancing which came over from Scotland with the HBC men
John Rae was born on September 30th 1813 at the Hall of Clestrain in the parish of Orphir, Orkney. The son of Margaret Glen and John Rae Sr, who was the local agent for the Hudson's Bay Company in Orkney, John Rae spent most of his childhood outside, learning to sail and hunt. These skills on the land would serve him well in later life.
John Rae's Rifle
Single barrelled smooth bore shotgun with percussion firing mechanism which belonged to John Rae.
Who Was John Rae?
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir introduces John Rae, considering his upbringing shooting and fishing
Portrait of John Rae
Portrait of Dr John Rae. Oil on canvas, with an ornamental gilt frame. Portrait inset into an oval shows Rae in old age, with grey hair and whiskers. Dressed in a formal dark suit, white shirt with dark tie. Unsigned and undated. Probably painted in London.
John Rae's Character
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers John Rae's character
John Rae arrived in Victoria on Vancouver Island in September 1864 following his telegraph line survey west of the Rocky Mountains for the Hudson's Bay Company. While he was in Victoria he commissioned a number of items from Indigenous artists of the north-west coast region to be sent home as souvenirs, gifts and curiosities.
Decorated Argillite Plate
10 fragments of a Haida argillite plate which have been restored which belonged to Orcadian Dr John Rae. Given to Jane Hamilton by Stephen Graber, descendant of John Rae. Haida First Nations peoples, from the Haida Gwaii archipelago, are famed for their skilled argillite craftsmanship and this plate, with its geometric designs, is a stunning example. Researchers are uncertain if John Rae collected this piece further north in Fort Simpson (now Lax Kw’alaams) or when he was in the HBC post at Victoria.
The port town of Hamilton, Ontario was home to John Rae's two brothers Richard and Thomas who were in the shipbuilding business. John Rae lived here for a short time between 1857-1859.
Embroidered Purse
Round purse made from hide, decorated with hand embroidery and fur trim. Green, blue and gold colours in a foliage and flower design. Lined with light green fabric and fur trimmed with a purple faded ribbon attached to the back. This item was brought home by Thomas Rae who was the brother of John Rae.
Rae overwintered in Fort Confidence following his second Arctic expedition of 1848-49 where he attempted to search for the lost Franklin expedition but was unsuccessful, and again in 1850-51 prior to his third expedition along the south coast of Kitlineq or Victoria Island.
Halkett Boat
The Halkett cloth boat given by Dr John Rae to Miss Peace of the woodyard, Kirkwall. Layers of cotton fabric and rubber, copper alloy air valves, canvas fender filled with cork. On the bow is painted Dr Rae, Hudson Bay and on the stern 'James Fitzjames', who was Commander of HMS Erebus on the lost Franklin expedition. Donated to the museum in the 1950s though the boat itself dates to the 1850s.
John Rae’s Octant
Brass and wood scientific instrument for navigation. Used by Dr John Rae in the Arctic during his surveys.
John Rae's Survey Expeditions
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir covers John Rae’s survey expeditions
Inuit Guides
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper introduces the role of Inuit guides
Interpreters
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper speaks about John Rae's interpreters
Speaking Inuktitut.
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper considers why few explorers learned Inuktitut
At one time nearly two thirds of the Hudson's Bay Company were from Orkney. From the HBC perspective Orcadian men were hardy, adaptable and cheap labour. For many of the men this was an opportunity for a more prosperous life and a promise of adventure overseas.
HBC Pin
Enamel pin with the HBC coat of arms.
Stromness and HBC
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses the HBC recruiting office in Stromness.
HBC Commemorative Coin
A commemorative coin or medal to celebrate the 300 year anniversary of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1970. Decorated on one side with the vessel "Nonsuch" and the HBC coat of arms on the other.
Stromness and HBC
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses the HBC recruiting office in Stromness.
Ambrotype Portrait of William Flett
It was not only Orkney men who moved to Canada, oftentimes men would marry into Indigenous families and send their children home to Orkney for schooling. Some, like William Flett, stayed indefinitely.
Wood photo frame with embossed leather cover holding tinted black and white photo in glazed repousse copper alloy frame. Photograph of William Flett (of Orcadian and Cree ancestry) who became a wheel wright in Finstown.
HBC Banner
Banner with the Hudson's Bay Company emblem or coat of arms. Used to be flown above the Hudson's Bay Company recruitment office in Stromness when the company ships were in the harbour.
Stromness and HBC
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses the HBC recruiting office in Stromness.
HBC Recruitment Poster
Recruitment poster for Hudson's Bay Company which reads "The Great Traders of the Great West" and depicts an image of a man dressed in animal skin walking in snow towards a Hudson's Bay Company Trading Post with snow shoes strapped to his back, carrying a gun and accompanied by two sled dogs. Fort Prince of Wales 1734. Signed A H Hider.
Stromness and HBC
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir discusses the HBC recruiting office in Stromness.
Norway House, Manitoba was a key trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company for much of the 19th century. It is located on the traditional homelands of the Cree First Nations. The practice of beading is intrinsic to many First Nations communities, and many places, like Norway House, have a distinct style.
Beaded Flower
A beaded flower, green and blue colours in the leaves, pink and red petals. Raised beadwork style, possibly Cree or Métis.
Honouring the Ancestors
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm honours her ancestors in this read piece
Why is Beading Important?
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm reflects on why beading is important for Cree and Métis people
Growing Up with Beading
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm reflects on growing up with beadwork
Silk Embroidered Leather Cuff
Leather embroidered with floral designs in silk thread in the Norway House style. Possibly part of a garment cuff. The colours on the front of the piece have faded, but turning it over to see the back stitches reveals vibrant colours. Cree and/or Métis.
Norway House Style
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm describes the Norway House style
Looking at Old Pieces
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm describes what she learns from looking at old pieces
Silk Embroidered Leather Pocket
Leather embroidered with floral designs in silk thread in the Norway House style. Possibly part of a pocket. Cree and/or Métis.
Norway House Pocket Embroidery
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi describes the embroidered pocket
Pair of Embroidered Moccasins
Pair of moccasins in either caribou or deer hide with floral detail embroidery and a pointed toe. Brought back to Orkney by Hudson's Bay Company chief factor W. H. Watt in the 19th century. Cree and/or Métis.
Embroidered Moccasins
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi describes the moccasins
Pointed Toe Moccasins
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm remembers her family wearing pointed toe moccasins
Pointed Toe Moccasins with Boots
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm remembers family members wearing this style of moccasins with rubber boots
Once a bustling HBC post originally known as 'Upper Fort Gary', today Winnipeg, Manitoba is home to a vibrant Cree and Métis community. Many men working for the Hudson's Bay Company would return home to Orkney with beautifully beaded items of clothing as gifts or trade items such as tobacco pouches and watch-holders for themselves. Beading continues to be practiced by Cree and Métis artists, seeing a resurgence in recent years with younger artists learning these skills.
Beadwork Pocket by Jennine Krauchi
A contemporary beadwork pocket by Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi.
Métis Identity
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi reflects on her Métis identity
Who Taught You Beading?
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi remembers learning to bead
Teaching Beading
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi speaks about teaching beadwork
Learning to Bead
Métis sisters Rachel, Ashlyn and Justine reflect on learning beading
Beadwork Tradition
Cree beadwork artist Cynthia Boehm reflects on the importance of beadwork tradition
Beaded Pouch
A beaded pocket watch holder. When Elizabeth and William Flett came to Orkney from Red River (now modern-day Winnipeg) to be brought up by relatives in the early 19th century, they brought this beaded watch-holder as a reminder of their Cree First Nation ancestry.
Octopus Bags
Two Métis style 'Octopus bags'
Octopus Bag 1
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi discusses the Octopus bags in the Stromness collection and reflects on the process of making them and their traditional function
Octopus Bag 2
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi discusses the Octopus bags in the Stromness collection and reflects on the process of making them and their traditional function
Métis Beadwork
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi considers the Métis style of beadwork
European and Indigenous Influences
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi reflects on influences on beadwork styles
Osnaburgh, or Osnaburgh House as it was known during its time as an HBC post is on the traditional homelands of the Ojibwe First Nations People. Ojibwe people are known for their intricate porcupine quill embroidery and their handiwork was often brought home by Orkney men working in this region as gifts.
Pair of Comb Sheaths
Pair of comb sheaths made of birch bark and decorated with porcupine quill work. Brown with white and green embroidery on both sides. Brought back to Orkney by Hudson's Bay Company chief factor W. H. Watt in the 19th century. Likely Ojibwe.
This region is the traditional home of the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois First Nations people who are recognised for their distinctive raised beadwork style. Although there was once an HBC post here, there was a more dominant North West Company presence in the region and today the French-Canadian town is known as Trois Rivières.
Moccasins with Raised Beadwork
A pair of well-worn moccasins with raised floral beadwork, may be Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, late 19th century.
Raised Beadwork Moccasins
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi offers some interpretation for the moccasins
Teardrop-shaped Snowshoes (one of a pair)
Large snowshoes (one of a pair) with a rounded, slightly upturned toe and long protruding tail, helpful for keeping the wearer on a straight trajectory. This style of snowshoes is likely Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, used by First Nation and HBC trappers travelling on long hikes through forested areas during the winter.
Although it is uncertain where these snowshoes came from, we could imagine that perhaps a Hudson’s Bay Company trader bought them from a skilled carver and used them extensively during his HBC employment.
Beaded Haudenosaunee Piece
Beadwork piece, believed to be Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, with beaded flowers backed on velvet.
Beaded Haudenosaunee Piece
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi discusses this Haudenosaunee/Iroquois piece
Chipewyan, or Fort Chipewyan as it was known during its time as an HBC post, was named for the Chipewyan First Nations Peoples who inhabit the region. 'Fort Chip' as it is fondly known in Orkney, was one of the earliest European settlements in Alberta. Today, there remain strong ties between families in Orkney and Chipewyan.
Copper Cooking Pot
Copper trade cooking pot acquired by Alice King at Fort Chipewayan in 1988 (though object itself dates earlier). Missing the lid.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
HBC Metal Trap
Metal leg trap collected from Fort Chipewyan, HBC fur trade item.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
HBC Trade Knife
An HBC trade knife, wooden handle with metal blade.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
Fire Striking Kit
Fire strike set consisting of metal tinder box, striker, chard, char cloth. A trade item of Hudson's Bay Company.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
Net Needle
Wooden net needle used to make fishing nets.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
Bottle of Royal Charter Rye Whisky
Bottle of Royal Charter Rye Whisky from the Hudson’s Bay Distillers Limited in Winnipeg.
Orcadians and First Nations
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir considers a history of exploitation by the HBC
Orkney Surnames
Orcadian historian and storyteller Tom Muir recalls a story from a colleague
1980s Beaded Moccasins
Two pairs of contemporary beaded moccasins brought back to Orkney from Fort Chipewyan in 1988 and 1989, and a third well-worn pair with a green wool vamp in a similar style.
Rodney Martin Visits Orkney
Rodney Marten, from Fort Chipewyan, Northern Alberta, meeting his cousin Bob Wylie and his wife in Holm. Rodney's great-great-grandfather, William Wylie, left Orkney for a life with the Hudson's Bay Company in 1862. Image from Keith Allardyce Collection.
Moose Factory was one of the earliest Hudson's Bay Company trading posts, established in 1672, although it was taken over for a number of years by the French between 1686 and 1713. It is located on the traditional homelands of the Cree First Nation or Ililiw people. Like all First Nations people in Canada, Ililiw have a very distinctive style of beadwork and quillwork which often made its way back to Orkney.
Knife Sheath
Deer hide knife sheath, with porcupine quill sewn bands and wrapped fringes. Brought back to Orkney by Hudson's Bay Company chief factor W. H. Watt in the 19th century. The teardrop design suggests a distinctively Cree style.
Métis Beaded Hood and Leggings (set)
Métis beaded hood and leggings in the James Bay (Wînipekw) style, likely made by the same Cree or Métis seamstress. Brought back to Orkney by Hudson's Bay Company chief factor W. H. Watt in the 19th century.
Beadwork Hood and Leggings
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi discusses the beadwork hood and leggings
Types of Beads
Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi discusses the types of beads used in her beadwork
Mittimatalik in Inuktitut means 'the place where the landing place is' and was one of the northernmost outposts of the Hudson's Bay Company. Established quite late-on in 1921 on Baffin Island it marked the expansion of the HBC into the 'high Arctic'.
James Smith's Photographs
A selection of James Smith's photographs taken during his time working for the Hudson's Bay Company between 1925 and 1936. He was variously stationed around Baffin Island, spending most of his time in Pond Inlet and Clyde. Images courtesy of Morag Blance and Orkney Library & Archive.
Morag's Father, Jimmy Sinclair
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith recalls meeting Jimmy Sinclair
Researching James Smith
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith begins her research into her father's time in HBC
Finding Inuit Relatives
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith discovers she has Inuk relatives
Finding Inuit Relatives - Siblings
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith discusses her recently discovered siblings
Kangiqtugaapik or Clyde River is an Inuit community located in a spectacular mountainous fjord on the eastern coast of Baffin Island. Kangiqtugaapik artists are famous for their carvings, which were popular with the HBC men and whalers who frequented the settlement in the early 20th century.
Ivory Cribbage Boards
Two ivory cribbage boards with scrimshaw designs, one shaped into a rectangle, the other retaining the shape of the walrus tusk. The board itself is used to keep score during card games, popular with whalers and traders.
James Smith's Stories
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith recalls her father's stories and the items he brought home
Cribbage Boards
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski offers some observations on cribbage boards
Ivory Cribbage Boards
Two ivory cribbage boards with scrimshaw designs, one shaped into a rectangle, the other retaining the shape of the walrus tusk. The board itself is used to keep score during card games, popular with whalers and traders.
James Smith's Stories
Morag Blance, daughter of HBC man James Smith recalls her father's stories and the items he brought home
Today, Kangiqtiniq (deep inlet in Inuktitut) or Rankin Inlet is the second largest town in Inuit Nunavut. The Hudson's Bay Company set up an outpost in the area around 1717 with trappers bringing Arctic fox furs to trade. The Inuit peoples of the wider Kivalliq region are known for their caribou hunting.
Qairnirmiut Qajaq Model
This is a model of a Qairnirmiut qajaq (or kayak) with its distinctive highly raised bow and almost horizontal stern. This qajaq was built for speed and used to hunt swimming caribou when they were crossing the lakes or rivers. The qajaq could generate such speed that it was able to overtake those travelling in a canoe as Dr John Rae experienced north of Churchill. This model is made from caribou skin with wooden frame and rim around the opening.
Carved Caribou Pair
Inuit carvers across the Arctic are well known for their abilities to create evocative figurines which were often sold to visitors. Amongst these depictions was the caribou, which continues to be integral to Inuit life in many regions today. These figurines, likely from the turn of the 20th Century, show a pair of caribou running.
The area around Pangnirtung was inhabited by Inuit peoples for more than a thousand years before the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post there here in 1921. The HBC post here focussed largely on processing whale oil in the ‘blubber house’ which would be collected (along with furs) once a year when the supply ship visited.
Dog Whistle
Brass dog whistle, used when driving sled dogs. Inscription reads, "The Officer's Call PATENT No1". Donated to the museum by the family of James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
HBC Cap Badge
Hudson's Bay Company cap badge consisting of an enamelled flag mounted on fold braid foliage. Donated to the museum by the family of James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
Match Holder
A metal container to keep matches dry. Donated to the museum by the family of James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
Mastodon Tusk
A section of mastodon tusk brought home to Orkney by HBC man James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
Tobacco Pouch
A tobacco pouch made from moose hide with Métis or Cree style floral embroidery (from further south) and the initials J. W. S. Donated to the museum by the family of James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
Skinning Knife
A skinning knife with a deer hoof handle originally made in Montreal. Donated to the museum by the family of James W. Sinclair who served the company in Baffin and Herschal Islands in the 1920s and 1930s.
HBC Trade Token
Trade token, Hudson's Bay Company, 1946. Aluminium, reads 'HBC 25'.
Kamiks - Sealskin Boots
A pair of kamiks or sealskin boots purchased by Adam Watson from the Hudson Bay Company store in Pangnirtung, Baffin Island. He was on an Arctic Institute of North America expedition there in 1953.
In 1831 the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post called 'Fort Chimo', now known by its Inuktitut name, Kuujjuaq, around 30km inland from Ungava Bay at the mouth of the Koksoak River. The post primarily traded in caribou hides, martin and fox pelts.
Miller Sisters' Toy Sleds
Two wooden toy sleds belonging to Inuk sisters Jessie and Elizabeth Miller who were born in the Ungava Bay region then sent to Orkney by their father, John Miller to live with their aunt in Stronsay following the death of their mother.
Find the Miller Sisters' Toy Sleds
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recalls finding the sleds in Stromness Museum
Introducing John Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recounts his research into HBC man John Miller
The Miller Sisters
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recounts the story of the Miller Sisters
Elizabeth Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper researches Elizabeth Miller
Jessie Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper researches Jessie Miller
A Surprising Discovery
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper makes a surprising discovery years later
Miller Sister's Toy Qajaq
A toy qajaq (or kayak) with paddle, belonging to Inuk sisters Jessie and Elizabeth Miller who were born in the Ungava Bay region then sent to Orkney by their father, John Miller to live with their aunt in Stronsay following the death of their mother.
The Miller Sisters' Model Qajaq
Inuk cultural educator and qajaq builder Robert Comeau makes some observations on the model qajaq
Find the Miller Sisters' Toy Sleds
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recalls finding the sleds in Stromness Museum
Introducing John Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recounts his research into HBC man John Miller
The Miller Sisters
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper recounts the story of the Miller Sisters
Elizabeth Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper researches Elizabeth Miller
Jessie Miller
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper researches Jessie Miller
A Surprising Discovery
Independent scholar and long-time Arctic resident Kenn Harper makes a surprising discovery years later
Model Umiak
This model umiak likely came from the Ungava Bay region. Full sized umiaks were used throughout the Arctic from Siberia to Greenland and traditionally constructed from walrus or sealskin with a driftwood or whalebone frame. Sometimes a sail would be constructed using seal gutskin.
Established in 1682, York Factory (also known today by the Swampy Cree name Kihciwaskahihan) was one of the earliest and strategically important HBC posts. Its location was key to controlling access to the major routeways for trade along the Hayes and Nelson Rivers.
Magnus Twatt's House
Magnus Twatt's house, Kirbister, Orphir in Orkney
Discovering Magnus Twatt
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recalls discovering her relative Magnus Twatt
Magnus Twatt's Legacy
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers Magnus' legacy in Orkney
Old Schoolhouse, Orphir
The Old Schoolhouse, Orphir in Orkney which was built with generous donations from Magnus Twatt.
Discovering Magnus Twatt
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recalls discovering her relative Magnus Twatt
Magnus Twatt's Legacy
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers Magnus' legacy in Orkney
HBC Bill of Exchange
Bill of Exchange for five shillings sterling 1820 issued by Hudson's Bay Company at York Factory, 15 November 1820. Black print on white paper.
Magnus' Experience of Canada
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) considers Magnus' experience of Canada
Magnus' Character
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) reflects on Magnus' character
Magnus' Diary
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recalls reading Magnus’ diary records
Magnus' Cree Family
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers Magnus had a family
HBC Traded Fox Furs
Fox furs, one of the main products trapped and traded for in the Hudson's Bay Company.
Magnus' Experience of Canada
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) considers Magnus' experience of Canada
Magnus' Character
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) reflects on Magnus' character
Magnus' Diary
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recalls reading Magnus’ diary records
Magnus' Cree Family
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers Magnus had a family
HBC Point Blanket
Hudson's Bay Company three and a half point trade blanket. The blanket is marked with 3 and a half black strip marks on the edge which denotes the amount of Beaver pelts that it should be traded for.
Magnus' Experience of Canada
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) considers Magnus' experience of Canada
Magnus' Character
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) reflects on Magnus' character
Cree and Orcadian Character
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine considers the similarities between Cree and Orcadian character
Magnus' Diary
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recalls reading Magnus’ diary records
Magnus' Cree Family
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers Magnus had a family
Today Sturgeon Lake in Saskatchewan is home to the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, many of whom have Scottish and Orcadian relatives as a result of marriages between HBC fur traders and local Cree peoples in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby was the site of HBC trading post Carlton House or 'Fort Carlton'. Cree peoples were absolutely integral to the infrastructure and success of the Hudson's Bay Company as their knowledge of the landscape and skill in navigating the rivers by canoe proved vital to HBC logistics.
Sturgeon Lake Reserve
Aerial Photograph of Sturgeon Lake Reserve where Kim was reunited with her Cree relatives 200 years after Magnus Twatt went to Canada with the Hudsons Bay Company.
Magnus and Mansack Twatt
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine introduces Magnus and Mansack Twatt and the makings of the Sturgeon Lake community
Trip to Budd Mission
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine recalls a community canoe trip to Budd Mission to retrace the HBC route and visit Mansack's burial site
Community Memory
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine explains the intent behind his community's memory work and considers the bigger picture
The Kingfisher Family
Some of Kim's relatives from Sturgeon Lake. From left to right, Roy, Harvey, Harold Kingfisher, and Carole Saunderson (nee Kingfisher) with Yvonne Seesequasis (nee Kingfisher) in the front.
Finding My Cree Family
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) tracks down her Cree family
William Twatt
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers the legacy of Magnus' son William Twatt
Sturgeon Lake Reservation
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recounts her visit to Sturgeon Lake Reservation
Meeting Kim
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine remembers meeting Kim
Kim Foden and Willie Ermine
Kim Foden (nee Twatt) meets her relative, Willie Ermine (image courtesy of Peter Stokes).
Finding My Cree Family
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) tracks down her Cree family
William Twatt
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) discovers the legacy of Magnus' son William Twatt
Sturgeon Lake Reservation
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recounts her visit to Sturgeon Lake Reservation
Meeting Kim
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine remembers meeting Kim
Harold Kingfisher
Harold Kingfisher poses next to a framed photograph of himself in a traditional headdress.
Meeting Harold Kingfisher
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers meeting Harold Kingfisher
Star Blanket
Kim receiving a star blanket from Chief Earl Ermine.
Visitors
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers visitors to the cabin on her first day at Sturgeon Lake
Gathering with Bannock
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) recounts being served bannock
A Visit to Kirkbister, Orphir
Magnus Twatt's descendants, Terry Daniels and family at Kirbister, Orphir in Orkney where Magnus Twatt lived.
Planning a Cree Visit
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the spark of an idea to bring a Cree group to visit Orkney
Visiting Orkney
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine recounts his visits to Orkney and visiting Magnus Twatt's house
Cree Dancers
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the Cree dancers visit to Orkney
Cree Dancing
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine describes traditional Cree dancing
Local News
Christine Ermine, Darwin Daniels and Todd Seesequasis keep up with the local news during a visit to Orkney in 2004 (image courtesy of Orkney Photographic).
Planning a Cree Visit
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the spark of an idea to bring a Cree group to visit Orkney
Visiting Orkney
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine recounts his visits to Orkney and visiting Magnus Twatt's house
Cree Dancers
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the Cree dancers visit to Orkney
Cree Dancing
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine describes traditional Cree dancing
Cree Dancers in Kirkwall
Cree dancers perform at the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall.
Planning a Cree Visit
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the spark of an idea to bring a Cree group to visit Orkney
Visiting Orkney
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine recounts his visits to Orkney and visiting Magnus Twatt's house
Cree Dancers
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the Cree dancers visit to Orkney
Cree Dancing
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine describes traditional Cree dancing
Cree Dancers in Kirkwall
Cree dancers perform at the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall.
Planning a Cree Visit
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the spark of an idea to bring a Cree group to visit Orkney
Visiting Orkney
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine recounts his visits to Orkney and visiting Magnus Twatt's house
Cree Dancers
Orcadian Kim Foden (nee Twatt) remembers the Cree dancers visit to Orkney
Cree Dancing
Cree academic and traditional health lead Willie Ermine describes traditional Cree dancing
In 1782 Moravian Missionaries from Germany arrived in Avertok, or Hopedale with the aim of establishing a new mission here and converting the local Nunatsiavummuit to Christianity. Although there was never an HBC post here, the connection with Orkney comes from the ship the Harmony who used to sail from Stromness bringing the missionaries to Labrador.
Ivory Carving of a Woman
These remarkable ivory carvings of a Nunatsiavummuit hunter and woman are most likely part of a set and would have once been brightly painted. Nunatsiavummuit are famed for their carvings which they would sell at the Moravian Mission or to other visitors. The man and woman wear distinctive Nunatsiavummuit clothing from around the turn of the 20th century. The woman wears an amauti (women's parka) decorated with red lines and black dots. Looking closely, the woman also wears the distinctive head dress and hair knob. In her hand she carries what looks like a bailer. The man returns after a successful hunt dragging a dead seal behind with a rope tight around his shoulder. In one hand he holds a harpoon and in the other he carries the excessive rope of the harpoon line. The hunter wears a European style hat typical of the Nunatsiavummuit around the turn of the 20th century reflecting the presence of the Moravian missions in Nunatsiavut.
Click to see what this object may have looked like when painted
Regional Clothing Styles
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski considers regional styles of clothing for Inuit
Handmade Clothing
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski recalls the handmade clothing from her childhood
Ivory Seal Hunter
These remarkable ivory carvings of a Nunatsiavummuit hunter and woman are most likely part of a set and would have once been brightly painted. Nunatsiavummuit are famed for their carvings which they would sell at the Moravian Mission or to other visitors. The earned money would have enabled the carvers to continue to do the activities that the carvings depict - for example hunting seals like in this case. The man and woman wear distinctive Nunatsiavummuit clothing around the turn of the 20th century. The woman wears an amauti (women's parka) decorated with red lines and black dots. Looking closely, the woman further wears the distinctive head dress and hair knob. In her hand she carries what looks like a bailer. The hunter returns after a successful hunt and drags a dead seal behind with a rope tight around his shoulder. In his one hand he holds the harpoon used for capturing the seal and in his other hand he carries the excessive rope of the harpoon line. The hunter wears a hat typical of the Nunatsiavummuit around the turn of the 20th century and reflects the presence of the Moravian missions in Nunatsiavut.
Click to see what this object may have looked like when painted
Regional Clothing Styles
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski considers regional styles of clothing for Inuit
Handmade Clothing
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski recalls the handmade clothing from her childhood
Ivory Dog Team Model
This beautifully carved bone model of a Nunatsiavummuit hunter returning after a successful hunt with his dog team provides an excellent and detailed example of a seal hunt. The sled has three seals facing upwards tight up on the sled and there is a gun, harpoon, seal ice scratcher, and possibly an adze. The six dogs, in gangline hitch, are wearing a skin rope harness which was traditionally made from bearded sealskin. These models were carved by Nunatsiavummuit and would be sold to Moravian missionaries, who first set up missions in 1771, and other visitors.
Dog Sled Carvings
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson remembers her grandfather making similar style dog-sled carvings
Model Dog Sled
Inuk cultural educator and qajaq builder Robert Comeau makes some observations of this model dog-sled
Located on the Arctic Circle, Naujaat, formerly Repulse Bay, is an Inuit hamlet named in Inuktitut as the ‘nesting/resting place for seagulls.’ Today, the Inuit community here continue to blend traditional practices with contemporary and it is not unusual to see traditional qamutiks or dogsleds stored next to snowmobiles. Around 20km northwest of the town it is still possible to visit Fort Hope, the stone house built by Orcadian explorer John Rae, before he learned the skill of auviqsaqtut (cutting blocks to make an iglu or working together to build an iglu in Inuktitut) from the locals.
Bone Snow Knife
Snow knives (pana in Inuktitut), like this large one made from bone, would have been used to cut blocks of snow to make an igluit (in Inuktitut) or snow house or iglu.
Multi-Use Knife or Snow Knife
This multi-use knife could have been used for several tasks, in addition to being utilised as a snow knife (pana in Inuktitut).
Multi-Use Knife
Inuk cultural educator and qajaq builder Robert Comeau makes some observations on this bone knife
After a failed outpost was attempted in 1688-89, the Hudson's Bay Company finally established a permanent post in Churchill, Manitoba in 1717. It became a key post for trading links with the interior along the Churchill River, in particular the Chipewyan First Nations people. Today it is known as the 'polar bear capital of the world' and has a growing tourism industry.
Snowshoes (one of a pair)
Short snowshoes (one of a pair) with an upturned toe, good for hiking open terrain and trails. Strung with 'babiche' or raw hide webbing (likely moose), with frames of larch or birchwood and decorated with traces of red dye (possibly ochre). The provenance for these snowshoes is unknown, but James W. Tyrrell, who travelled with his brother across northern Canada with a Néhinaw (Cree) guide Westasecot 'Jimmie' and several others, purchased an almost identical pair at Fort Churchill. He goes on to explain that 'they were made by Chippewyan Indians [Denésoliné]'. We could imagine that these snowshoes were also made by Denésoliné and perhaps bought likewise at Fort Churchill by an explorer or Hudson's Bay Company trader.
Kugluktuk is located at the mouth of the Coppermine River and is the westernmost community in Nunavut. The Coppermine River played a significant role as a popular routeway for the fur trade. Today Kugluktuk is still home to skilled Inuit carvers who continue to pass down their skills to the next generation.
Soapstone Musk Ox
Soapstone musk ox carved by John Akana. Artworks like these are popular tourist items across the arctic.
Soapstone Ice Fisherman
Soapstone carving depicting ice fishing, carved by John Akana. Artworks like these are popular tourist items across the arctic.
In 1924 the Hudson's Bay Company established an outpost at Coral Harbour on Salliq or Southampton Island. It was once home to the Salleirmiut Inuit, who were devastated following an outbreak of infectious disease in the early 20th century. The few survivors were evacuated to Naujaat and later new groups of Inuit were relocated to the island.
Harpoon Head with Iron Tip
A walrus ivory sakku (harpoon head in Inuktitut) with an iron tip. This piece has a very distinctive end with two ʍ-shaped carved 'feet' which may represent seal flippers. It may be from the Salliq or Southampton Island area of Nunavut. Whilst the exact provenance for this piece remains unclear, we do know that it would have been used for hunting sea mammals such as seal, walrus or whale.
Harpoon Head
A harpoon head (sakku in Inuktitut) made from bone which may be from the Salliq or Southampton Island area of Nunavut. The harpoon head would have rested on a harpoon fore shaft and attached to a seal bladder by line.
Model Sealskin Float with Harpoon Tip
This model avataq or sealskin float with an akunaaq (sealskin rope in Inuktitut) and sakku (harpoon tip in Inuktitut) is missing the harpoon itself. Nevertheless, it demonstrates another vital component of Inuit hunting gear. The avataq serves two purposes, it causes drag in the water to slow and tire the harpooned marine mammal, and it prevents the dead animal and gear from sinking. We do not know for sure where this particular example is from, but it represents hunting equipment used by Inuit throughout the Arctic.
Seal Float
Inuk cultural educator and qajaq builder Robert Comeau explains the use of a seal float for hunting marine mammals
Ivory Seal Carving or Amulet
A small seal carved from walrus ivory which may have been used as a charm or amulet, sewn into a hunter's qajaq (kayak) to bring him the quick and agile qualities of a seal when he was out on the water.
Seal Carving
Inuk cultural educator and qajaq builder Robert Comeau interprets this piece and explains its likely purpose
Carved Animal Head
This carved animal head (possibly a dog) may be a hole plug used in hunting to plug the hunted animal's wound to keep from wasting the blood, which can be used to make a nutritious soup.
Seal Plug
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson interprets the object as a hole plug and explains its function
Arctic Fox Skins
An arctic fox skin which was one of the key commodities that Inuit traded at HBC posts in exchange for supplies such as tea, baking powder, salt, sugar, flour and fabric.
Trading Fox Skins
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recounts her father's story of her great-grandfather trading fox skins at Coral Harbour
Coral Harbour
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recounts her father's view of why a different group of Inuit were relocated to Coral Harbour
HBC Men and Local Inuit
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson considers the rapport between HBC men and local Inuit
Uqsuqtuuk is home to the Netsilik Inuit peoples and the word itself translates to 'lots of fat', indicating the abundance of sea mammals hunted in the area. A permanent settlement formed in the area after the Hudson's Bay Company first established a post here in 1927.
Ukkusiksalik or Wager Bay was established as an HBC post in 1925 by Jimmy Thom, later run by Iqungajuq (Wager Dick). The post primarily traded fox skins from local groups of Inuit.
Manitok Thompson (nee Bruce)
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson (nee Bruce) wearing her aivilik outfit. Manitok's mother, Kanayuk Tweenaq, grew up at the Wager Bay HBC post. Image courtesy of Manitok Thompson.
Manitok Thompson Introduction
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson introduces herself
Family History
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson explains her family history with HBC and her mother's Inuit/Scottish ancestry
The Hudson's Bay Company
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson offers her family's opinion of the Hudson's Bay Company
European Incomers
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson explains the Aivilingmiut Inuit's attitudes towards European incomers, despite difficult circumstances
Kanayuk Tweenaq and Mikitok Bruce, Wager Bay 1996
Kanayuk Tweenaq and her husband Mikitok Bruce standing in front of the HBC post at Wager Bay where she grew up 70 years earlier. Photo taken during a visit with David Pelly in 1996. Image courtesy of Manitok Thompson.
Visiting Wager Bay
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson remembers visiting Wager Bay with her mother in 1996
Running the HBC Post
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson gives an overview of her family's history of running the Wager Bay HBC post
Working as the Clerk
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recounts how her grandfather took over running the Wager Bay HBC post with her mother working as the clerk
Supply Difficulties
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recalls her mother's account of the supply difficulties at Wager Bay
Kanayuk Tweenaq, Robert Tatty and Jarome Tattuinee
Manitok's mother Kanayuk Tweenaq with her two brothers, Robert Tatty (left) and Jarome Tattuinee (right). Image courtesy of Manitok Thompson.
Family History
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson explains her family history with HBC and her mother's Inuit/Scottish ancestry
Polar Bear Cubs
A pair of pet polar bear cubs play on a sled. It was not uncommon for people to raise polar bear cubs if their mother had been shot and killed. Image by James Smith, courtesy of Morag Blance and Orkney Library & Archives.
Pet Polar Bear
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson recalls her mother's story of a pet polar bear at Wager Bay
Needle Case Kit
This is a needle case (Kakpik in Inuktitut). The case forms a tube made from caribou femur, with a leather strap, toggle, thimble (tikiq in Inuktitut) and metal needle. The design is western Nunavut, either Innuinait or Natsilik style. This style is also sometimes found in central Nunavut.
Needle Case
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski describes the needle case or kakpik
Needle Cases
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski considers needle cases in the past and today
Sewing Among Inuit
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski reflects on the importance of sewing to Inuit peoples
Pair of Boots
These well-worn boots remain somewhat of a mystery. Although they appear to be made based on Indigenous design, they were almost certainly made by a non-Indigenous person. The stitches and pleats are too rudimentary and the laces are running outwards which is extremely unusual and the fact that these boots do not use sinew for thread or skin for laces is another indicator. They are unique boots which tell an interesting story of how Indigenous technologies were often taken up by non-Indigenous visitors.
Outside Materials
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski considers the introduction of outside materials for sewing
Lax Kw'alaams, formerly Port Simpson, is the site of an ancient camping spot of the Gispaxlo'ots tribe. It was once the site of a bustling HBC post known as Fort Simpson which was frequented by Tsimshian and Haida First Nations peoples who came to trade furs, food and artwork at the post.
Decorated Argillite Plate
10 fragments of a Haida argillite plate which have been restored which belonged to Orcadian Dr John Rae. Given to Jane Hamilton by Stephen Graber, descendant of John Rae. Haida First Nations peoples, from the Haida Gwaii archipelago, are famed for their skilled argillite craftsmanship and this plate, with its geometric designs, is a stunning example.
Located to the south of Baffin Island Iqaluit, or Frobisher Bay as it was once known during its HBC days, is the capital of Inuit Nunavut. It has long been frequented by Inuit peoples who named the area 'the place of many fish', and continue to hunt on the land and sea in this area today.
Snow Goggles
Snow goggles can be made from (drift)wood, caribou antler or walrus ivory, these are made from driftwood. The thin slits would have blocked the ultraviolet sun reflection on the snow and, according to Inuit elders, would also heighten directed vision. Hunters would blacken the inside of the snow goggles with pitch to lessen snow glare. We do not know for certain where these examples are from, but snow goggles in various styles were used by Inuit peoples across the Arctic regions.
Snow Goggles with Visor
Snow goggles can be made from (drift)wood, caribou antler or walrus ivory, these are made from driftwood. The thin slits would have blocked the ultraviolet sun reflection on the snow and, according to Inuit elders, would also heighten directed vision. Hunters would blacken the inside of the snow goggles with pitch to lessen snow glare. We do not know for certain where these examples are from, but snow goggles in various styles were used by Inuit peoples across the Arctic regions.
Hooded Snow Goggles
Snow goggles can be made from (drift)wood, caribou antler or walrus ivory, these are made from driftwood. The thin slits would have blocked the ultraviolet sun reflection on the snow and, according to Inuit elders, would also heighten directed vision. Hunters would blacken the inside of the snow goggles with pitch to lessen snow glare. We do not know for certain where these examples are from, but snow goggles in various styles were used by Inuit peoples across the Arctic regions.
Ice Scratcher
This caribou antler with markings round the end may have been used as an 'ice scratcher - a piece of equipment often used by Inuit peoples across the Arctic for seal hunting. As the hunter sneaks up to a seal on the ice, he would use this to scratch the ice, making noises and movements like a seal, until he could get close enough to strike.
Ice Scratcher
Aivilingmiut Inuk, teacher and politician Manitok Thompson describes how an ice scratcher would be used when hunting seals
Igluligaarjuk, also known as Chesterfield Inlet is a hamlet in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. First established in the mid 1800s it is the oldest community in Nunavut located just south of the Arctic Circle.
Dog Harness Toggle
This is an uqsig (in Inuktitut), or a dog harness toggle, made from walrus ivory. Without provenance from the collector, it is difficult to know exactly where this one was made but we do know that it was part of Inuit fan-hitch dog sleds in this region. There would have been several of these uqsiq with the larger rounded diamond-shape 'eye' attached to the sled rope whilst the smaller 'eye' would have been attached to an individual dog line or trace.
There are two styles of hitching dogs to a sled: line formation or gangline hitch and the fan hitch. With the gangline hitch, the dogs are attached to one main line and run behind one another (or in pairs behind other pairs). The fan hitch, as the name indicates, spreads out like a fan. Fan-hitches are particularly favoured in treeless Arctic environments and for travels over sea ice.
Family Dog Team
Inuk researcher and curator Krista Ulujuk Zawadski recalls her family's dog team when she was growing up in Chesterfield Inlet
Museums Without Walls
An interactive resource exploring connections between Orkney and the Hudson's Bay Company
Welcome to the Stromness Museum's interactive resource which explores the connections between Orkney and the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada. Here you will find 3D scans and photographs of the museum collection together with insights and stories from different perspectives, including Orkney, Cree, Métis and Inuit voices. There is much we still have to learn about this fragmentary collection of objects, belongings and souvenirs which have found their way to Orkney over the past 200 years. Together, voices from both sides of the Atlantic are bringing them to light once again, offering fresh insights and contemporary connections to this complex period of history.
Credits
Funded by LEADER | Scottish Rural Network
Stromness Museum, Orkney
A 3DVisLab, University of Dundee Project
Alice Watterson | Interaction Design, Lead Artist, 3D Scanning, Research & Interviews
John Anderson | Programming & Interaction Design
Rany Bechara | 3D Artist, Texturing & Shaders
Janette Park | Curator, Stromness Museum
Siobhan Cooke-Miller | Collections Manager, Stromness Museum
Katy Firth | Exhibition Assistant, Stromness Museum
Norna Sinclair | Exhibition Assistant, Stromness Museum
Rebecca Marr | Collections Photography
Krista Ulujuk Zawadski | Collections Research & Interviews
Jan Peter Laurens Loovers | Collections Research
Lise Bos | Collections Research
Morag Blance | Soundbite Insights
Cynthia Boehm | Soundbite Insights
Robert Comeau | Soundbite Insights
Rachel, Justine & Ashlyn Erickson | Soundbite Insights
Willie Ermine | Soundbite Insights
Kim Foden | Soundbite Insights
Kenn Harper | Soundbite Insights
Jennine Krauchi | Soundbite Insights
Tom Muir | Soundbite Insights
Manitok Thompson | Soundbite Insights
Krista Ulujuk Zawadski | Soundbite Insights
With thanks to Philippa Ootoowak, Chris Nikkel, Kevin Nikkel, Phoebe Sutherland, James Arreak, Susan Lofthouse, Patricia McCormack, Cecil Chabot, Dawn Biddison, Kieran Baxter & Chris Rowland
Thanks also to Orkney Library & Archive, Orkney Photographic, Scott Polar Research Institute, Dartmouth College Library, Mystic Seaport Museum, Hudson's Bay Company Archives, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu Greenland National Museum & Archives, National Archive of Canada and Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center in addition to the personal collections of Morag Blance, Kim Foden, Bryce Wilson and Keith Allardyce