When Was Ada Blackjack?

Ada Blackjack was born on May 10, 1898, in Solomon, Alaska. She was an Inupiaq woman who became famous for her extraordinary survival story on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean. Her story is a tale of courage, perseverance, and resilience.

Ada was the daughter of an Inupiaq mother and a white father. She was raised by her mother and stepfather in Nome after her father abandoned the family when she was young. Ada was not formally educated but learned how to sew from her mother and later became a skilled seamstress.

In 1921, Ada joined an expedition led by Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson to Wrangel Island. The expedition’s goal was to claim the island for Canada and conduct scientific research. The team consisted of four men: Stefansson, Allan Crawford, Fred Maurer, and Lorne Knight, and Ada as their seamstress.

The expedition faced many challenges from the start. The team underestimated the harsh climate of the Arctic and failed to bring enough supplies with them. They were also ill-prepared for hunting and fishing in the Arctic.

In September 1921, Stefansson left Wrangel Island to seek help but promised to return soon. However, he never returned, leaving the team stranded on the island with no way of contacting civilization.

The team tried to survive by hunting and fishing but struggled to find food in the harsh conditions. They were also plagued by sicknesses such as scurvy and influenza.

As time passed, Crawford died from illness while Knight drowned while trying to hunt for food. Maurer left the group with hopes of finding help but never returned.

Now alone on Wrangel Island with no hope of rescue or escape, Ada took matters into her own hands. She taught herself how to hunt and fish using traditional Inupiaq methods she learned from her mother. She also sewed warm clothes using animal skins to protect herself from the harsh weather.

Ada’s skills and determination helped her survive for two years on Wrangel Island. In August 1923, she was finally rescued by a group of explorers who were searching for Stefansson. Ada returned to Nome as a national heroine, praised for her courage and survival skills.

In conclusion, Ada Blackjack was a remarkable woman who defied the odds and survived in one of the harshest environments on earth. Her story is a testament to human resilience and the power of determination. We can all learn from her example and strive to overcome any challenges that come our way with grace and strength.