Why Did Ada Blackjack Agree to Join the Expedition?

Ada Blackjack was a remarkable woman who became famous for surviving alone on an uninhabited island for two years. But before her incredible survival story, she was part of an ill-fated expedition to Wrangel Island in 1921. In this article, we will explore the question of why Ada Blackjack agreed to join the expedition and what motivated her to take such a risky journey.

First and foremost, Ada was a single mother who needed to provide for her son. Her husband had abandoned them, leaving them with no means of support.

Ada struggled to make ends meet and was often forced to rely on charity from her community. So when she heard about the opportunity to join an expedition that promised to pay her a significant sum of money upon completion, she jumped at the chance.

Ada’s primary motivation for joining the expedition was financial gain. The expedition was organized by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, a well-known explorer who promised to pay each member of the team $50 per month plus a share in any profits made during their journey. For Ada, this was an opportunity too good to pass up.

Additionally, Ada had grown restless with her life in Nome, Alaska. She longed for adventure and excitement and saw the expedition as a chance to break free from the monotony of her daily routine. Wrangel Island was an unexplored territory that held many mysteries and dangers, and Ada was eager to be part of it all.

Despite being inexperienced in outdoor survival, Ada believed that she could handle whatever challenges came her way. She had grown up in Alaska and had learned many skills from her Inupiat mother that would prove useful in the Arctic environment. Furthermore, she trusted that the other members of the team would look out for one another and help each other overcome any obstacles they encountered.

In hindsight, Ada’s decision to join the expedition may seem reckless or naive given its tragic end. However, it is important to remember that Ada was a woman who faced many obstacles in her life and was willing to take risks to provide for her family. Her bravery and determination should be celebrated, and her story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Ada Blackjack agreed to join the expedition for several reasons, including financial gain, a desire for adventure, and a belief in her ability to handle whatever challenges came her way. While the expedition ultimately ended in tragedy, Ada’s story is one of courage and perseverance that continues to inspire people today.