Ada Blackjack was an Inupiaq woman who is known for her courage and bravery in surviving alone on Wrangel Island for two years after being stranded there with four others in 1921.
Early Life and Background
Ada Blackjack was born on May 10, 1898, in Solomon, Alaska. She grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Nome, Alaska, where she learned traditional skills such as hunting and sewing from her mother. Her father was a whaler who died when she was young.
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As a young adult, Ada married Jack Blackjack and had three children with him. However, Jack left the family and Ada was left to raise her children alone. She struggled to provide for them and eventually gave two of them up for adoption.
The Expedition to Wrangel Island
In 1921, Ada Blackjack was hired as a seamstress by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, a Canadian explorer who was planning an expedition to Wrangel Island. The island, which is located off the coast of Siberia, had been inhabited by indigenous people but was believed to be uninhabited at the time.
The expedition consisted of five men: Vilhjalmur Stefansson (the leader), Fred Maurer (a mechanic), Lorne Knight (a geologist), Milton Galle (a cook), and Allan Crawford (a hunter). Ada was hired as a seamstress to make clothing for the men.
Stranded on Wrangel Island
The expedition reached Wrangel Island in September 1921 and set up camp. However, they soon realized that they were not equipped for the harsh Arctic conditions and were running low on supplies. Stefansson decided to leave the island and promised to return within a few months with more supplies.
However, Stefansson never returned. The men tried to survive on their own, but they were not skilled hunters and were unable to catch enough food. They soon became sick and weak, and Crawford died in January 1923.
Ada Blackjack was the only member of the expedition who was able to hunt and fish. She took care of the other men and nursed them back to health when they were sick. However, Knight died in June 1923, leaving Ada alone with Maurer and Galle.
Surviving Alone on Wrangel Island
In August 1923, Maurer decided to set out on his own to find help. He never returned. Galle also became ill and died in November 1923.
Ada Blackjack was now completely alone on Wrangel Island. She had no communication with the outside world and no way of knowing if anyone was looking for her. She survived by hunting and fishing for food, using her sewing skills to make warm clothing out of animal hides.
Ada spent two years alone on Wrangel Island before she was finally rescued in August 1925 by a rescue party that had been sent to find the missing expedition members.
The Legacy of Ada Blackjack
Ada Blackjack’s story is one of courage, resilience, and survival against all odds. She demonstrated incredible strength in surviving alone on a remote island for two years, despite facing unimaginable challenges.
After her rescue, Ada returned to Alaska where she lived a quiet life until her death in 1983 at the age of 85. Her story was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by historians in the late 20th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ada Blackjack’s story is an inspiring example of the power of human resilience and determination. Her courage and strength in the face of adversity continue to inspire people around the world today.
