Eenoolooapik (ca. 1820-1847)

Abstract

... Eenoolooapik was born around 1820 at Qimisuk, on the west coast of Cumberland Sound. While still young, he travelled with his family on an unusual voyage by umiak, skirting the coastline of Cumberland Sound until they reached Cape Enderby on Davis Strait. The boy closely observed the outline of the coast as they rowed slowly past. At Cape Enderby, they met a group of whalers and decided to continue their voyage to Cape Searle, a location frequented by the whalers, where they settled. Contact with these strangers fired Eenoolooapik's curiosity about their land, and a desire grew in him to visit their homeland. ... At about this same time, unpredictable catches in Davis Strait and worsening ice conditions had the fishery concerned. At least one widely publicized article appeared in Britain suggesting that only diversification into trade and the establishment of permanent whaling stations could save the fishery. In 1833, William Penny, mate on the Traveller, was sent to investigate Inuit reports of a large bay full of whales to the south of Exeter Bay. Penny's trip failed, but he tried again in 1839 when he discovered that Eenoolooapik was a native of Tenudiackbeek and could map its entire coastline. Here, the desires of both Penny and Eenoolooapik merged. Penny wanted to take the Inuk to Britain because he felt Eenoolooapik's information could convince the Navy to sponsor an expedition to Tenudiackbeek, and perhaps keep the fishery alive. ... Despite an excellent map Eenoolooapik prepared of Tenudiackbeek, the Navy was unwilling to back an expedition. Without government support, Penny was forced to catch whales first, and only then, if time permitted, to explore. As well, Penny's plans to educate Eenoolooapik in boat building and other skills came to naught because of the Inuk's poor health. Although Eenoolooapik had made many friends in Aberdeen, he eventually grew homesick, sailing for the Arctic on April 1, 1840. ... Back home, he resumed a normal life and does not appear to have tried to impress people unduly with his tales or possessions. He married Amitak shortly after leaving Penny, and by 1844, when Penny once again returned to Cumberland Sound, Eenoolooapik had a son called Angalook. Three years later, in the summer of 1847, Eenoolooapik died of consumption, and after his death his name - according to custom - was given to a newborn nephew. ... Every year after Eenoolooapik's return, whalers visited Cumberland Sound. In 1851-1852 Sidney Buddington led the first intentional wintering by a whaling crew, and two years later Penny conducted the first wintering with a ship.