Ada Blackjack was a remarkable woman who decided to embark on an Arctic expedition in the early 20th century. Her story is both inspiring and tragic, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of a woman who dared to venture into the unknown. But what made Ada Blackjack decide to go on this journey?
To understand her motivations, it is important to look at her background. Ada Blackjack was born in 1898 in Alaska and was of Inupiaq heritage.
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Growing up, she faced many hardships, including poverty and illness. She lost both her parents at a young age and was forced to drop out of school to take care of her siblings. Despite these challenges, she was determined to make a better life for herself and her family.
In 1921, Ada saw an advertisement in a newspaper seeking women for an Arctic expedition led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson. The goal of the expedition was to establish new settlements on Wrangel Island, located off the coast of Siberia. Ada saw this as an opportunity to earn money for her family and decided to apply.
Her decision to join the expedition was not an easy one. She had never been on a ship before and had no experience surviving in extreme weather conditions. However, she was drawn by the promise of adventure and the chance to provide for her family.
Ada’s determination paid off when she was selected as one of four members on the expedition team, along with three men: Lorne Knight, Milton Galle, and Fred Maurer. The team set out from Nome, Alaska in September 1921 on board the ship The Wrangel Island.
The journey itself was treacherous, with rough seas causing delays and damage to the ship. Once they arrived at Wrangel Island, they faced even more challenges. They were stranded there for two years due to communication failures with their supply ship.
During this time, Ada proved herself as an invaluable member of the team. She learned how to hunt and fish, skills that were crucial for their survival. She also took care of Knight, who suffered from scurvy, a disease caused by lack of vitamin C. Her unwavering dedication to the team and her resourcefulness helped them survive in a harsh environment.
Sadly, not all members of the team made it back home. Galle died during the expedition, and Knight passed away on the journey back to civilization. Maurer abandoned them on Wrangel Island and was never seen again.
Despite these tragedies, Ada’s story is one of resilience and strength. She returned home to Alaska with enough money to provide for her family for the rest of her life. Her decision to join the Arctic expedition was driven by her love for her family and her desire for adventure.
In conclusion, Ada Blackjack’s decision to go on an Arctic expedition was motivated by a combination of factors: financial need, a desire for adventure, and a willingness to take risks in order to provide for her family. Her bravery and resourcefulness in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all.
