Nookapingwa (1893-1956)

Abstract

Nookapingwa was one of the best hunters and most experienced dogsled travellers in northernmost Canada and Greenland during the first half of the 20th century. He played a crucial role in the European exploration of the Queen Elizabeth Islands and northern Greenland, having acted as a guide and hunter for such explorers, scientists and government officials as Donald B. MacMillan, Lauge Koch, officers for the royal Canadian Mounted Police (notably Inspector A.H. Joy and Staff-Sergeant H.W. Stallworthy), Edward Shackleton and David Haig-Thomas. He was instrumental in many of their achievements and sometimes their survival. Nookapingwa was born in the summer of 1893 in the Thule district of northern Greenland. ... [This profile chronicles his participation in and contribution to various expeditions in and around Greenland and the District of Franklin. He was renowned for his ability to hunt, to navigate through difficult terrain and conditions and survival skills.] Several geographic features have been named after Nookapingwa: Nookap Island (off th north coast of Devon Island); Mount Nukap (1783 m) and Nukap Glacier (both near the head of Gilman Glacier, northern Ellesmere Island); Nukapingwa Glacier and Nukapinwa River (north of Borup Fiord, northern Ellesmere Island).