Samuel Hearne's Journey from Prince of Wales Fort to the Northern Ocean (1769-1772) Informative Summary

Overview:

Samuel Hearne’s “A Journey from Prince of Wales’s Fort in Hudson’s Bay to the Northern Ocean” chronicles his three expeditions undertaken from 1769 to 1772 on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Motivated by rumors of rich copper deposits, Hearne, a young man of only twenty-four, endured immense hardships, including treacherous terrain, harsh weather, and unreliable native guides. His first two attempts were unsuccessful, but on his third journey, guided by the resourceful Chipewyan leader Matonabbee, he finally reached the mouth of the Coppermine River.

Hearne’s journal, however, goes beyond a simple account of his travels. It offers a detailed portrait of the Chipewyan Indians, their customs, and their unique relationship with the land. The reader gains a unique insight into their hunting techniques, their social structure, their beliefs, and their complex relationship with the Europeans. Hearne’s observations on the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including the iconic musk-ox, moose, and beaver, provide valuable information for naturalists and historians alike.

Key Findings:

The Coppermine River, despite initial expectations, was found to be neither navigable nor a source of easily accessible copper.
The Chipewyan Indians had a complex and often exploitative relationship with the Europeans, marked by both cooperation and conflict.
The indigenous peoples had extensive knowledge of the land, its resources, and the animals that inhabited it.
Despite the harsh environment, the region was rich in wildlife, providing sustenance for both the indigenous peoples and the Europeans.

Learning:

Northern Canada’s Geography and Ecology: The journal provides a detailed description of the landscape, from the barren lands to the forested regions, highlighting the unique challenges of navigating these diverse terrains. Hearne’s observations on the flora and fauna offer insight into the delicate balance of the northern ecosystem.
- Details: Hearne describes the various types of trees, shrubs, and grasses, along with the distinctive animals that thrived in each environment. He notes the scarcity of certain species in the barren lands and the abundance of others in the forested regions.
Chipewyan Culture and Society: The reader is introduced to the fascinating aspects of Chipewyan culture, from their traditional hunting methods and tools to their social structures and beliefs. Hearne’s observations shed light on their complex relationship with the land, their families, and their leaders.
- Details: Hearne details their unique methods of constructing canoes, sledges, and snowshoes, as well as their hunting techniques, including spearing fish, trapping beaver, and snaring birds. He also provides insight into their marriage customs, their social hierarchy, and their belief system, which was heavily influenced by shamanism and superstition.
Early European Encounters with Indigenous Peoples: Hearne’s account highlights the challenges and complexities of early European exploration and the impact on indigenous communities. It showcases the potential for both cooperation and conflict in these encounters.
- Details: Hearne’s interactions with the Chipewyan Indians illustrate the power dynamics between the Europeans and the indigenous peoples. He experiences both generosity and betrayal, showcasing the difficulties of establishing trust and achieving mutual understanding. He observes the impact of European trade goods, such as guns, iron tools, and tobacco, on the indigenous cultures and economies.

Historical Context:

The text is set against the backdrop of the 18th-century fur trade and the growing European interest in exploring and exploiting the resources of North America. The Hudson’s Bay Company, a powerful corporation with a monopoly over the fur trade in the region, sought to expand its reach and profits by searching for copper, a valuable commodity in the burgeoning industrial world. Hearne’s journey was a part of this economic expansion, driven by the pursuit of wealth and exploration.

Facts:

Native Copper: The Chipewyan Indians brought samples of copper to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s trading posts, sparking the search for copper mines.
Coppermine River: The Indians described a river rich in copper that flowed far to the North, which Hearne eventually found and named the Coppermine River.
The Athapuscow Indians: The Athapuscow Indians, a distinct tribe from the Chipewyan, were skilled hunters and traders.
Musk-oxen: These large, shaggy animals were abundant in the region, providing a source of food and materials.
The Rutting Season: The rutting season of the deer, often occurring in October, was a period of intense activity and competition among the males.
Deer-pounds: The Indians constructed elaborate deer pounds to trap and kill deer during the winter.
The Aurora Borealis: Hearne noted that the Aurora Borealis, known to the Chipewyan as “Ed-thin,” made a rustling and crackling noise in the air.
Beaver Dams: The beaver built dams across rivers and creeks to maintain water levels and protect their homes.
The Musk Rat: The musk rat, or musquash, built lodges on the ice of ponds and swamps for shelter.
The Porcupine: The porcupine, though not abundant in the North, was prized for its quills and its meat.
The Lynx: Hearne observed the tracks of the lynx, or wild cat, near Churchill River.
The Wolverene: This powerful animal was a formidable predator, known for its strength and intelligence.
The Jackash: Hearne identified the jackash as the lesser otter of Canada.
The Wejack: The wejack, a species of weasel, was not found in the Northern Indian Country but was known for its strong odor.
The Ermine: The ermine, or stote, changed from brown to white in the winter, providing valuable fur.
The Walrus: The walrus was found in large numbers near Merry, Jones’s, and Sea-Horse Islands.
The Sea Unicorn: The narwhal, or sea unicorn, was known to frequent Hudson Bay, but Hearne never personally encountered one.
Black Whales: Black whales were occasionally found as far south as Churchill River, but the Hudson’s Bay Company’s attempts at whaling were unsuccessful.
White Whales: White whales were plentiful in many parts of Hudson Bay, providing a valuable source of oil.
Salmon: Salmon were abundant in some years at Knapp’s Bay and Whale Cove, but scarce in others.
Kepling: The kepling, a small, smelt-like fish, was plentiful in some seasons at Churchill River.
The Scurvy: Hearne noted that, despite the harsh conditions, his crew never suffered from scurvy during his journey.

Statistics:

1715: The Hudson’s Bay Company established its first trading post at Churchill River.
1719: Captain James Knight led an expedition in search of the Coppermine River and a Northwest Passage.
1768: The Indians brought samples of copper to Churchill River, renewing interest in finding the mine.
1769: Hearne’s first expedition was launched, but was unsuccessful due to unreliable guides.
1770: Hearne’s second journey was also unsuccessful, despite lasting eight months.
1771: Hearne’s third journey, guided by Matonabbee, led him to the mouth of the Coppermine River.
1771: The Indians massacred a group of Esquimaux, estimated at 20 people.
1771: Hearne’s quadrant was broken.
1771: The Indians had gathered enough furs to load 100 canoes when they went to trade at Churchill.
1772: The Indians estimated that Athapuscow Lake was 120 leagues long and 20 leagues wide.
1772: One Indian killed 12 old beavers and 25 young ones from one house.
1772: The Indians killed 11 bears in one day near Cumberland House.
1775: Hearne built Cumberland House.
1781: The first smallpox epidemic struck the Northern Indians.
1782: The French captured and destroyed Fort Prince of Wales.
1792: Hearne died at the age of 47.
63° 46′ North: The latitude of Congecathawhachaga, where Hearne first encountered Copper Indians.
68° 46′ North: Hearne’s estimated latitude of the mouth of the Coppermine River.
118° 15′ West: Hearne’s estimated longitude of the Coppermine River’s mouth.
500 miles: Hearne’s estimated width of the Northern Indian country.
600 miles: Hearne’s estimated distance traveled west from the Hudson Bay coast.
300 miles: Hearne’s estimated distance from the Coppermine River’s mouth to Large White Stone Lake.
100 miles: Hearne’s estimated distance traveled from the woods to the mouth of the Coppermine River.
85 miles: Distance traveled from Thelewey-aza-yeth to Clowey.
150 miles: The distance the Indians would carry canoes without using them.
40 miles: The distance from the mouth of the Coppermine River to the copper mine.
1,000 percent: The price the Copper Indians paid for a hatchet from the Northern Indians.
1,000 pounds: The estimated amount of musk-ox flesh brought to Churchill in a good year.
18 months: The amount of time an Indian deer skin could be kept without spoiling if properly prepared.
6,000 made beaver: The amount of beaver skins traded annually from the Northern Indians to the Hudson’s Bay Company.
11,000 skins: The annual amount of beaver skins traded after the Northern Indians established peace with the Southern Indians.
20 tents: The number of tents in Matonabbee’s party.
60 tents: The number of tents that joined Hearne’s party in their expedition to the Coppermine River.
200 yards: The width of the Coppermine River.
200 yards: The width of the Coppermine River.
4 pounds: The weight of the largest piece of copper Hearne found.
450-600 lbs.: The average weight of 300 beaver skins.
50-60 miles: The length of No Name Lake.
35 miles: The width of No Name Lake.
80 miles: The distance traveled from No Name Lake to Anaw’d Lake.
20 miles: The width of Anaw’d Lake.
120 leagues: The estimated length of Athabasca Lake.
20 leagues: The estimated width of Athabasca Lake.
27 miles: The width of Pike Lake.
35 miles: The width of Island Lake.
40 miles: The distance from the mouth of the Coppermine River to the copper mine.
100 miles: Hearne’s estimated distance traveled from the woods to the mouth of the Coppermine River.
120 leagues: The estimated length of Athabasca Lake.
20 leagues: The estimated width of Athabasca Lake.
1,000 miles: Hearne’s estimated width of the Northern Indian country.
600 miles: Hearne’s estimated distance traveled west from the Hudson Bay coast.

Terms:

Calimut: A long ornamented pipe stem used in ceremonies among the Indians.
Made Beaver: The standard used by the Hudson’s Bay Company to value furs, with a prime beaver skin being worth one “made beaver.”
Skipertogan: A small bag containing flint, steel, and other fire-making materials.
Thew-hagon: A Cree word for meat dried and pounded.
Wish-a-capucca: A plant used as tea by Europeans in Hudson Bay (Labrador Tea).
Bafe-hoth: The Northern Indian name for a knife.
Jolt-thee: The Northern Indian name for a type of birch fungus used as tinder.
Clalte-ad-dee: A soft birch fungus used for tinder.
Tima: An Esquimaux word meaning “cheer” or “goodbye.”
Thun-nardy: A Northern Indian word meaning “alone.”
Day: The Northern Indian name for the Wood Partridge.
Shees: The Northern Indian name for the inconnu fish.
Ed-thin: The Northern Indian name for the Aurora Borealis.
Nant-e-na: The Northern Indian word for fairies.

Examples:

The Desertion of Chawchinahaw: Hearne’s first expedition was hampered by his native guide, Chawchinahaw, who sabotaged the journey by withholding food and encouraging other Indians to desert, leaving Hearne and his companions stranded.
The Massacre of the Esquimaux: On his third journey, Hearne’s party encountered a group of Esquimaux camped near the Coppermine River. The Indians, fueled by their long-standing hostility towards the Esquimaux, launched a surprise attack, killing all 20 inhabitants of five tents. Hearne, though disgusted by the violence, was unable to stop the massacre.
The Lonely Woman: Hearne and his companions encountered a Dogribbed Indian woman who had been taken prisoner by the Athapuscow Indians. She had escaped and survived alone for seven months, using her ingenuity to hunt and gather food and to build a shelter.
The Conjuror’s Deception: Hearne witnessed a series of elaborate conjuring performances by Chipewyan shamans, including swallowing a bayonet and a large piece of wood. He suspected the shamans were using tricks, but was unable to disprove their claims.
The Wrestling Match: Hearne observed a wrestling match between two Indian men who were vying for the same woman. The winner took the woman as his wife, highlighting the importance of physical strength in Chipewyan society.

Conclusion:

Samuel Hearne’s “A Journey from Prince of Wales’s Fort in Hudson’s Bay to the Northern Ocean” stands as a remarkable testament to human resilience and the power of observation. While Hearne’s quest for copper mines ultimately proved unsuccessful, his journey provided valuable insights into the geography, ecology, and indigenous cultures of Northern Canada. His detailed descriptions of the landscape, wildlife, and the unique customs of the Chipewyan Indians offer a glimpse into a world seldom explored by Europeans at the time. Hearne’s account serves as a vital resource for understanding the complex interactions between European explorers and the indigenous peoples of North America, highlighting the challenges of establishing trust and the consequences of colonization. His journey remains an important contribution to the history of exploration, ethnography, and natural history.

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