Bown Stephen R. - White eskimo: Knud Fasmussens fearless journey into the heart of the arctic

A Note on Terminology

Eskimo, Inuit and Greenlander: Eskimo is the historical term for the culturally similar indigenous peoples who inhabit Greenland, northern Canada and Alaska. There are various possibilities for the meaning of Eskimo, such as people who speak a different language, people who make snowshoes and people who eat raw meat. None of these descriptions are universally accepted by linguists or the people themselves.

Although considered by many to be a slur today, Eskimo is not inherently a pejorative word and was originally how all Arctic peoples were known. Now, the term Inuit is generally preferred by the people of Arctic Canada. In Alaska, the preferred terms are Eskimo or Alaska Native, and in Greenland the common term is Greenlander or, among English speakers, Inuit. In academic literature, the word Inuit is now prevalent.

In this work, I have opted to use the word Inuit except when quoting from historical documents.

In his time, Rasmussen was sometimes called a white Eskimo.

Tribe: In his writings, Rasmussen referred to the various small nomadic and seminomadic groups of Inuit he encountered throughout the Arctic as tribes. Today the term is rarely used, the sense sometimes being captured by the words band and community. For the sake of clarity and continuity, I have opted to retain Rasmussens use of the word tribe to describe these groups of Inuit hunters as they existed a century ago.

Route of Rasmussens journey from Danish Island to King William Island.

Route of Rasmussens journey from King William Island to Herschel Island.

Route of Rasmussens journey from Herschel Island to East Cape.

Prologue

I must go and see the New People

In the winter of 1921, Knud Rasmussen invited about one hundred of Copenhagens eminent citizenspoliticians, artists, journalists and business leadersto join him at the citys prestigious Palace Hotel for a special dinner. It was an honour to receive a personal invitation from Rasmussen, a national hero known for his Arctic expeditions and his books about the lives, myths and legends of the Inuit. His guests arrived in formal attire for the event, and the entertaining speeches, good conversation and fine food made for a superbly successful evening. Once the meal was finished, Rasmussen stood up and clinked his glass for attention.

Now I hope that everyone is well fed, that everyone is happy, and that everyone feels good! he declared. Since youve all eaten and drunk well, would you all be able to swear to just such a fact? Once there was a general murmur of agreement, Rasmussen continued: Well, theres only one question left who will pay?

The room fell silent. After the shock had subsided, people began fumbling for their wallets, aware of the presence of the other dignitaries and concerned for their reputations. None wished to appear mean or stingy. Now that we have wallets at the ready, Rasmussen announced, Peter [Freuchen] and I have some plans for an expedition that we would have funded.